Reverand Akuila Yabaki's Certificate. Click for Larger View

The Citizens' Constitutional Forum (CCF) has existed since 1993 when concerned citizens of the country, resuscitated an earlier effort on the part of the late Martin Ennals of International Alert to interest the churches in sponsoring peace-building dialogue across religious and ethnic divisions, and began to hold national consultations on constitutional matters. In these consultations international experts and jurists assisted CCF in deliberating on issues such as human rights, electoral arrangements in multi-ethnic societies, power- sharing, indigenous rights, affirmative action and strengthened accountability provisions, including leadership code, freedom of information and a strengthened Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman Office. Political and community leaders were invited to these consultations, held over a number of years, to encourage dialogue and discussion and help build consensus on a new democratic and non-racial Constitution. The proceedings of most of these consultations have been published by CCF and may be accessed online on www.ccf.org.fj

Strengthening democratic institutions through the full implementation of the provisions of the 1997 constitution, building multiculturalism and an understanding of human rights, and seeking a more proportional and fairer electoral system have been the central concerns of CCF's work since the adoption of the 1997 Constitution. CCF audited the 1999 General Elections and made suggestions about possible changes in the electoral system and its administration. The election audit has been published, together with the first two annual lectures on Constitution Matters, by Professor Yash Ghai and Fr. David Arms. A CCF workshop on multiculturalism, convened in 1998, has also
been published.

With the democratic rupture that began on May 19th, 2000, underwritten and organised by yet to be prosecuted co-conspirators, CCF has been compelled to defend constitutionality and legality. Fiji's people and future generations must not suffer at the hands of individuals and groups who resort to illegal and immoral means to achieve their ends. Since May 19 2000, CCF has been the most vociferous and passionate defender of the 1997 Constitution, human rights and the rule of law. It was a prominent supporter of Chandrika Prasad's litigation, which sought a declaration that the 1997 Constitution had not been effectively abrogated by the Commander of the Fiji Military Forces on May 29th 2000. Justice Anthony Gates of the High Court in Lautoka, in his Judgment on November 2nd 2000 declared that the 1997 Constitution had not been abrogated and the Interim Administration led by Laisenia Qarase was illegal. This Judgment was upheld by the five Judges of the Court of Appeal on 1st March 2001.

The CCF is currently taking legal action again against the President and the Caretaker Administration for failing to comply with the Judgment of the Court in dissolving Parliament, reappointing Laisenia Qarase and his Cabinet as Caretaker Government and calling a General Election in August this year. The CCF Court action seeks a Court Order for the reconvening of Parliament and the formation of a Government of National Unity. The High Court Judge Justice Daniel Fatiaki has refused to disqualify himself from hearing the case in view of his involvement in advising the President, which led to the abrogation of the Constitution.

The illegal Caretaker Government's attempt to de-register CCF for its 'political activities', using the out-dated provisions of the 1945 Charitable Trusts Act, is primarily aimed at preventing CCF from proceeding with its legal challenge of the President's actions. By seeking to make CCF an illegal organisation, the Caretaker Government is launching a direct attack on civil society organisations, which are a cornerstone of democracy.

CCF is appealing for your support in its struggle to defend democracy in Fiji. This attack on CCF is just the beginning - it is likely that the outspoken women's movement in Fiji will be the next to be `legally' stifled. Already legislation is being processed to emasculate trade unions in Fiji.

We need you to speak up and let the world know what the racist regime in Fiji is up to. Please inform other fraternal and sister organisations and send letters of protest to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and to media organisations in Fiji.