FCOSS pushes for stronger consent laws in constitution review

In a crucial submission to the Constitution Review Commission, the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has powerfully advocated for the inclusion of robust Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) provisions within the nation's constitution. FCOSS National President, Sepesa Rasili, articulated the council's stance, emphasizing that no development should ever compromise a community's fundamental right to self-determination and to say 'no'. This call for stronger consent laws is particularly pertinent in Fiji and the wider Pacific, where the impacts of climate change, resource extraction, and environmental degradation pose existential threats to local livelihoods and well-being. FCOSS rightly points out that the current understanding and application of FPIC often fall short, primarily focusing on landowners. However, the council's forward-thinking approach recognizes that the ramifications of such projects are felt far beyond property lines, affecting entire communities. Extending FPIC to encompass all community members is not merely a matter of legal necessity but a profound issue of environmental justice. This is a perspective that resonates deeply within our island nations, where our connection to the land and sea is intrinsically linked to our cultural identity and survival. While international discussions on FPIC often focus on legal frameworks, FCOSS's push highlights the urgent need for its constitutional entrenchment as a bulwark against unchecked development and environmental harm. The constitutional review process, expected to conclude next year, presents a vital opportunity to embed these essential protections for future generations.

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No development should come at the cost of a community’s right to say no.