Young Fijians develop their leadership skills by engaging in various activities, including sports
The democratic process for sustainable development relies on the engagement of everyone, young and old, with shared
goals. Meaningful engagement of young people can build a more inclusive, equal society. Young people in Fiji are
engaging in human rights learning and exploring their potential through various activities.
Young members of communities in central and northern divisions organized themselves to participate in a human rights
training and commemorated International Youth Day on 12 August. The week-long training was coordinated by community human rights advocates as part of the EU-funded Fiji Access to Justice Project. The training equipped young people with knowledge of human rights-based approach to their engagement at the community,
national and global levels.
Young community members learned about the international human rights framework, which is an integral part of Fiji’s Constitution. The members also learned about specific issues, including the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of the child. The sessions were facilitated by Fiji’s Human Right and Anti-Discrimination Commission.
The human rights training was combined with sports activities guided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In Mokani village, in central division of Fiji, some of the Mokani Youth Club members have been coaching sports, which
has also helped develop their leadership skills. They are coaching youth in several types of sports, such as rugby and
badminton, and encourage young members to find the sport that best suits their different skills and interests.Mokani Youth Club members are trained in coaching with the Ministry of Youth and Sports
Sereima Mualevu, a member of Mokani Youth Club, feels that youth engagement in decision making processes is very
important, saying “In the village meeting every week, where elders plan and decide about the village affairs, young
members should be able to participate and give our ideas too.”
Victoria Wilson, also a member of the club added, “Everyone’s point of view is important, including youth. It is also
important that their points of view are heard.”
Another member of Mokani Youth Club, Ratu George Cakobau, shared his concerns about the current socio-economic
challenges posed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and a way forward in which youth can take the lead.
“Hotels have been shut down, some workers have had their pays cut, and some have been left unemployed. Through more
vocational training and the training like this we had today, young people can identify the trades suitable for the
different skills we have and can be self-employed and be independent.”(From left) Ratu George Cakobau, Sereima Mualevu, Victoria Wilson in Mokani villageshared their opinions on ‘youth
engagement’
Young people represent a majority of the population in most developing countries. In Fiji, half of the population is
below the age of 27.5 years (2017 Census). Young citizens of Fiji (Fiji’s youth category is between the ages of 15-35)
are contributing to society as sports players, farmers, community organizers and more. At the same time, youth face
disproportionate social, economic and political barriers to fully participate in decision-making processes.
To enable young members of society to fully explore and develop their potential, the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) promotes youth-focused and youth-led sustainable development path through the Youth Global Programme. The Fiji Access to Justice Project partners with young people and justice institutions, to promote human rights-based
approach at community level to enhance citizens’ access to justice.
Viema V. Ratulaila a member of Urata Youth Club in the northern division of Fiji said, “I am so proud of the human
rights programme that was held in our village. Thank you for concerning the life of the youths. It was indeed a great
honour to be present on that day. I have learnt so much.”Viema V. Ratulaila (second from left) with her mentors, women in her villageand a staff from a CSO, Medical Services
Pacific
Some of the participants in her community are now organizing themselves and preparing to engage as community human
rights advocates in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Urata Youth Club members also engaged in a dialogue with the United Nations in the Pacific Resident Coordinator Sanaka
Samarasinha and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative a.i. Kevin Petrini during their recent visit to Urata village. The
youth members shared with them that building on the knowledge they gain from the community human rights advocates, the
youth members were developing various projects to contribute to the community.
The Fiji Access to Justice Project supports access to justice, in particular for impoverished and vulnerable groups. It
does so by empowering people to access their legal rights and services, strengthening key justice institutions to
deliver improved services, and strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to deliver justice
accompaniment services, with a special focus on supporting persons with disabilities and survivors of sexual and
gender-based violence. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in partnership with Judicial
Department and Legal Aid Commission.
The ways young people engage today will determine the prospects for sustainable development. With the enormous challenge
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for reaching the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Fiji Access to Justice Project, in partnership with young Fijians, aims to contribute to Fiji’s sustainable
development with focus on Goal 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and Goal 16 to promote
peace, justice and strong institutions.