Brussels, 06/09/2013
Since the coup d’état in 2006, the people of Fiji have been suffering from a deterioration in their social situation, including the non-respect of basic human rights, in particular, the right to freedom of association, assembly and expression. For this reason, both the ETUC and the ITUC demand to meet Ms Ashton in order to discuss the matter – with a view to pressing for the EU to help reverse the situation - at the earliest possible convenience.
Both organisations stress that the Decision 2007/641/EC expires on 30 September 2013, and they believe that the EU should not extend any further benefits to Fiji other than those already contemplated by the Council Decision of 24 September 2012.
The continued violation of human rights remains a serious concern and the ETUC and the ITUC support a request for an ILO Commission of Inquiry to be discussed at the ILO Governing Body this October.
Joint letter: http://www.etuc.org/IMG/pdf/060913_Baroness_Catherine_Ashton.pdf