About Us
Vision
Mission
Values
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Promoting, protecting and fulfilling human rights
Every person will be treated with dignity, respect and equality. We will apply a gender analysis to all our work -
Exercising the Commission’s authority and powers independently
In the performance of its functions or the exercise of its authority and powers, the Commission shall be independent and shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority, except by a court of law or as otherwise prescribed by written law. -
Promoting access to justice and equal application of the law
Promote access to justice and equal application of the law including relevant international human rights law -
Providing a professional, transparent, accountable, ethical, responsive, and effective service
We will be professional, transparent, accountable, ethical, responsive and effective in all dealings on behalf of the Commission
Our Responsibilities
- promoting the protection and observance of, and respect for, human rights in public and private institutions, and to develop a culture of human rights in Fiji;
- education about the rights and freedoms recognised in the bill of rights of the Constitution as well as other internationally recognised rights and freedoms;
- monitoring, investigating and reporting on the observance of human rights in all spheres of life;
- making recommendations to Government concerning matters affecting the rights and freedoms recognised in the bill of rights including recommendations concerning existing or proposed laws;
- receiving and investigating complaints about alleged abuses of human rights and take steps to secure appropriate redress if human rights have been violated, including making applications to court for redress or for other forms of relief or remedies;
- investigating or researching, on its own initiative or on the basis of a complaint, any matter in respect of human rights, and make recommendations to improve the functioning of public or private entities;
- performing any other functions or exercising any powers as are conferred on the Commission by a written law.
- monitoring compliance by the State with obligations under treaties and conventions relating to human rights; and
The Commission
Pravesh Sharma
Chairperson and Proceedings Commissioner
Mr. Pravesh Sharma graduated with a Law Degree from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. He is admitted to both the High Court of New Zealand and the High Court of Fiji. He has worked in private practice in Fiji; initially with Munro Leys and then later with R. Patel Lawyers. He has also practised as a Corporate Solicitor and as a Prosecutor in Wellington, New Zealand.
Since May 2015, Mr. Sharma has been running his own Firm, Victoria Chambers in Suva, Fiji. His main areas of practice are Criminal and Family Law Litigation. Mr. Sharma has special interest in Criminal Appeals.
In September 2018, Mr. Sharma was appointed a Commissioner with the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission; and in March 2019, Mr. Sharma was appointed Proceedings Commissioner.
In February 2022, Mr. Sharma was appointed Chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.
In July 2022, Mr. Sharma was appointed a Member of the Fiji Dental Professional Conduct Committee.
Ms. Alefina Vuki
Commissioner
Nicole Daniels
Secretary to the Board
Ashwin Raj
Director
Our Team
Loukinikini Lewaravu
Loukinikini Lewaravu
Parmeshwaran Prasad
Laisiasa Rogoyawa
Mithleshni Gurdayal
Varanisese Dominiko
Tiko Nobis
Irene Yuen
Sarita Kashyap
Marika Tabaki
Vacancies
The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination (‘Commission’) is established pursuant to section 45 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji (Promulgation) Act 2013, as well as the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Act 2009. The Commission is mandated to ensure the human rights of all persons in Fiji are protected and promoted, and the public is educated about the nature and content of human rights.
The Commission seeks to employ the services of a suitably qualified and experienced individual for the position of DIRECTOR.
The Director is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership to ensure the effective delivery of the Commission’s strategic plan in line with constitutional and statutory obligations. The Director will build, maintain and enhance partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, both locally and internationally and secure compliance with the Paris Principles.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe Director will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- ensuring that the Commission’s primary role to promote and protect the human rights of all Fijians is achieved and maintained at all levels of society in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji (Promulgation) Act 2013, the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Act 2009 and any other relevant legislation;
- developing, implementing and reviewing the Commission’s Strategic and Corporate Plans. This task is to be undertaken with the Chairperson and members of the Commission;
- lay a solid foundation for management, oversight and standards, and for efficient and effective working ensuring that the Commission’s functions are conducted with honesty, integrity and in a timely and professional manner
- formulating and implementing policies, and providing operational, financial and organisational performance reports in a timely manner to the Commission;
- overall supervision and management of the organisation including planning, deploying resources, budgeting and human capital needs assessment in consultation with the Chairperson and members of the Commission; and
- participation and presentation of submissions and speeches from a human rights perspective at various forums, including Parliamentary Standing Committees and regional and international meetings, and other events/activities on human rights;
- leading and motivating staff to advance employee engagement, and developing a high performing team.
- fostering constructive relationships with fellow NHRI’s stakeholders to encourage engagement with the NHRI and strategic relationship building with external partners, including civil society organisations
The successful applicant:
- must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in either Governance & Human Rights, Law, Political Science, and/ or Public Office Administration
- must have a minimum of 5 years experience either at Director level or at an executive leadership level transitioning into the Director role.
- must have expertise and experience in a broad range of contemporary leadership skills, such as financial and business management, business intelligence, case management system, ability to read and interpret legislation and operate in an environment governed by legislation.
- must have the capability to make representations at parliamentary standing committees, and other public forums;
- must be a strategic thinker with the ability to identify, manage and mitigate risks;
- must have excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills to build strong relationships, foster stakeholder engagement, create new partnerships and drive a culture of excellence and service;
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a three (3) year contractual position which may be renewed at the Commission’s discretion.
The Human Rights and Anti-Discriminations Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all eligible and qualified persons.
All applications are to include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates, academic transcripts and 3 references, and addressed as follows:
CONFIDENTIALVACANCY – DIRECTOR
The Chairperson,
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission,
Ground Floor, Naibati House, 9 Goodenough Street
Suva
or
CONFIDENTIAL
VACANCY DIRECTOR
The Chairperson,
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission
Private mail Bag
Suva
Applications may also be submitted through e mail to : vacancies@fhradc.org.fj Subject caption- “CONFIDENTIAL VACANCY DIRECTOR”
Applications must be submitted no later than 4.00pm on 10th of March 2023. Late application will not be considered.
