The Right To Freedom Of Expression Case Study

As aforementioned, all past constitutions enacted in Fiji provided the right to Freedom of expression, the current operating instrument is no exception. At Section 17, it sets out the right to freedom of expression , sadly, there seems to be a lack of protection for the and provisions to enforce these rights through the national courts as required under international law and standards can be deemed as lacking.
It is evident that no right should be absolute but instead should be limited to the rights of others. International law even stipulates that said limitations to the right should be “necessary and proportionate” and should not hinder the right itself. For instance, Article 19 (3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
The ways in which we express ourselves will not always sync with the opinions, views and beliefs of others. Diversity is part of what makes us, as a people unique and special. Expression, in whatever form, is how we let the world know how we feel, share our opinions and air our views. The fact that it may be offensive to a few should not mean that the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression should hindered in such a way that the opinions, views and belief of the people should smothered and
Instead, their history is a cesspool of suppressing the fundamental right to freedom of expression, especially after the 2006 coup when persons were arbitrarily detained, arrested and beaten. During this time, the ruling government applied severe filters and restriction to the people’s right to freedom of expression. This restriction was heavily felt by the media which was mainly exercised by redacting press releases, both verbal and written, to conform to the rules set out by the new government. All of which suggests that any limitation placed upon the right, in Fiji, will not be applied in a way which upholds the essence of the right. However, it would be an injustice to not mention that the Fijian government within the last few years have made positive steps towards recognizing the rights of the people, however, such actions seems limited in the grand scheme of things, and while they have made strides, they have also moved backwards in some instances and in others remain