Girmit identity must be protected, says Professor Shameem

Professor Shaista Shameem, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, has issued a compelling call to action, urging the formal recognition and protection of Girmit identity within international minority rights frameworks. This is not merely a historical footnote for Fiji, but a living, breathing identity that continues to shape the cultural and social fabric of descendants.

Shameem, speaking from her dual perspective as a lawyer and sociologist, firmly places Girmit descendants within the scope of the UN Minority Rights framework. This declaration carries significant weight, as it implies a global obligation for states, including Fiji, to actively safeguard the culture, language, and heritage of this community. The professor's emphasis on preserving language and cultural identity is crucial; it ensures that the rich history of Girmit is not relegated to a mere annual observance but remains a vibrant part of Fiji's present and future.

The argument extends beyond cultural preservation to legal recognition. Shameem highlights the necessity of integrating Girmit history into education systems in a way that resonates with younger generations, fostering a deeper understanding of their heritage. Furthermore, she stresses that legal recognition is paramount for strengthening cultural protections and ensuring that minority identities are afforded equal space within Fiji's national development discourse. This perspective challenges the common tendency to view Girmit history solely through the lens of past suffering, reframing it as a continuous narrative of identity, rights, and resilience that aligns with contemporary human rights discussions.

From a Fijian perspective, this is a vital conversation about national identity and inclusivity. While international media might focus on the historical aspects of indentured labor, the lived reality for many in Fiji is the ongoing struggle for cultural and legal recognition. Professor Shameem's intervention ensures that the Girmit legacy is not forgotten but actively championed, demanding that minority rights principles are not just theoretical but practically applied. This proactive stance is essential for the preservation of language, culture, and historical identity for generations to come, embedding the Girmit story firmly within Fiji's multicultural landscape and broader human rights dialogues.

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And this is something now that as a lawyer myself, but also as a sociologist, and a person who looks at history as living history, not as something that’s dead and in the past, I think we look at ourselves as fitting into the rights of minorities, and that is a UN declaration, which means every state in the world, including Fiji, has acceded to that, and has to comply in accordance with its principle.