Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Defends Palestine Stance Amid Embassy Opening

The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre (FWCC) has reaffirmed its support for Palestine, asserting that its position aligns with its long-standing commitment to global human rights advocacy. Shamima Ali, the center's coordinator, stated that the FWCC's backing of the pro-Palestine movement stems from its consistent advocacy for justice and human dignity both within Fiji and internationally.

Ali also raised questions about the timing of Israel's decision to establish an embassy in Fiji. She noted that this move comes at a time when Israel is facing increasing international scrutiny over its actions. The FWCC emphasized that its focus is on addressing human rights concerns wherever they arise, rather than singling out any particular nation.

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The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is an organisation that is based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and we have been around for 42 years now. We have a history of advocating for human rights and protesting for human rights anywhere in the world, particularly in colonised states, as part of the global movement.

"The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre is an organisation that is based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and we have been around for 42 years now," Ali said. "We have a history of advocating for human rights and protesting for human rights anywhere in the world, particularly in colonised states, as part of the global movement."

Despite facing criticism from some segments of the public, the FWCC remains resolute in its mission to champion issues it believes are critical to human rights and justice. Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed concern over the pro-Palestine movement in Fiji, calling it "strange" given the perceived good relations between the two countries. He suggested that focus should be on the benefits of the partnership rather than protests.

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I see the same thing again here. I don’t know how many people are protesting here in Suva. I guess not so many. But it is strange. There is a good spirit between the two nations.