Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 34^th Session (04-15 November 2019): 3rd UPR of Fiji - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Ambassador Puneet Agrawal, Deputy Permanent Representative of India [Geneva, 06 November 2019]

Mr. President,

India warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Fiji and thanks the delegation for presenting its National Report.

2. India appreciates the robust legislative and policy framework of Fiji to ensure that all Fijians continue to enjoy basic human rights and freedoms even in the face of climate change and natural disasters.

3. India also welcomes the National Adaptation Plan that outlines progressive strategies to ensure an inclusive, systematic and strategic approach to climate adaptation and building disaster resilience. We welcome Fiji’s efforts in developing new climate change legislation.

4. India recommends the following to Fiji:

1. Continue strengthening the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission by further aligning with the Paris Principles.
2. Continue safeguarding the basic human rights and freedoms with due considerations to special vulnerabilities of women, children and persons with disabilities in climate and disaster induced migration through the efficient legislative and policy framework.
3. Also adopt an inclusive and participatory approach to climate policy as a legislative requirement under the new climate change legislation.

5. India acknowledges the challenges and constraints faced by Fiji and remains committed to cooperation in its development and wishes it the best

Thank you, Mr. President.