The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Journalism Programme, in partnership with the UN Office of Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Fijian Media Association (FMA) organised a two-day workshop to empower journalists in human rights protection, gender equality, and social cohesion through their reporting.
The workshop was held at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, Fiji on 19-20 June and was officially opened by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran.
Kiran highlighted the important role played by the media in shaping public opinion, holding leaders accountable and enhancing the voices of the marginalised groups in Fiji.
She noted the importance of journalists writing ethical, rights-based stories that promoted dignity, mutual respect, and understanding.
“This is especially important for underrepresented groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities and those in remote and rural areas,” she said.
“In the context of rising misinformation, gender-based discrimination and online hate, the role of ethical and rights-based journalism is more critical than ever. Your commitment to ethical journalism is essential to the health of our democracy and the wellbeing of our communities.”
According to Kiran, people often stereotyped entire ethnic groups, provinces, or regions and ignored the fact that every society had both good and bad individuals.
“Fiji is diverse, every citizen belongs to this great Nation, what is that one thing that binds us all? Our need to belong to this Nation, our love for this Nation – that is the conversation that needs to happen.”
In his welcoming remarks, Dr Shailendra Singh, Head of Journalism at USP, noted that this was the first time the three institutions had worked together and organised a workshop on the role of the Fiji media in social cohesion.
He highlighted how for the first time in our history, Fiji was beginning to put together elements of a proper social cohesion strategy.
Speaking to more than 30 journalists, Dr Singh said it was better late than never, adding that it was encouraging to see a major national drive to build unity and inclusion.
“This national effort is led from the top—by none other than Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka himself. His vision is clear: Strength in unity.”
“Social cohesion is also a central pillar of the National Security and Defence Review, launched by the former Minister for Home Affairs, Honourable Pio Tikoduadua.
“Honourable Tikoduadua put it best when he says: ‘Social cohesion stands at the very heart of our national security strategy’.”
“It’s timely—social cohesion is finally getting the national attention it deserves,” said Dr Singh.
Dr Singh also participated in panel discussions which discussed:
OHCHR Regional Representative for the Pacific, Heike Alefson, said the workshop provided a platform to reinforce the media’s role in upholding human rights and fostering a more cohesive, equal, and just society.
Alefson stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to strengthen social cohesion in Fiji, and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting this effort — with the workshop serving as a step toward that goal.
Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Manager News, Felix Chaudhary, who was the Fiji Media Association (FMA) representative, said the workshop was a timely undertaking.
Chaudhary said the workshop was being conducted at a very critical time for our country.
“We need to be speaking about social cohesion, building unity, celebrating diversity. While we celebrate diversity, we also need to be mindful to be respectful of other people’s views and other people’s concerns regarding our country,” he said.
While the removal of the draconian media act has restored democracy and freedom of expression, Chaudhary said journalists were now faced with a situation which had created some uncertainty for people including the fear of what would unfold if the media freedom isn’t properly managed.
The Journalism team, led by Monika Singh, Supervising Editor of the student training newspaper, Wansolwara, engaged in the discussions that highlighted a deeper understanding of the media’s role in social cohesion, human rights and gender equality.
The USP Journalism staff were part of the organising committee of the two-day workshop.
