TUC calls for Fiji sanctions to continue

date: 19 September 2012

embargo: For immediate release

The TUC today (Wednesday) called on the European Union (EU) to continue imposing sanctions on Fiji after an International Labour Organisation (ILO) delegation was expelled for looking into possible human and labour rights abuses.

The ILO group was instructed to leave within hours of arriving on the Pacific group of islands, despite being given earlier permission by the government to investigate reports that union activity was being criminalised and union activists targeted across the country.

Those deported from Fiji include world-renowned Sierra Leonean Judge Koroma, a member of the International Court of Justice.

The TUC said the move made a mockery of the military government's commitment to restore democracy by 2014, particularly in the light of recent cases of workers being beaten up and imprisoned for speaking out against the regime.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'This decision makes a mockery of the Fijian government's so-called commitment to democracy and human rights.

'Expelling investigators will do little to calm international fears over labour and human rights abuses and sends out a chilling message about the regime's intentions.

'Fiji's behaviour must not go unpunished. It is essential that the EU looks at the possibility of strengthening existing sanctions. Fiji must urgently allow the ILO delegation back into the country or risk being seen as an international pariah.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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