The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is urging the Government to withdraw the current draft Constitution and reconsider its approach following public feedback.

In a statement issued on 22 October, FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says the Government must listen to the concerns of the people and present a proposal that reflects Fiji’s democratic development and the aspirations of its diverse communities.

FWCC says the country is facing several pressing challenges, including the rising cost of living, poverty, pressure on health services, unreliable access to water and the impacts of climate conditions, including El Niño.

Ali says the constitutional review process is taking up national attention while families and communities continue to deal with economic, social and environmental difficulties.

She also questioned whether the focus on constitutional change was distracting attention from these urgent concerns.

FWCC is calling for a process that gives meaningful consideration to public views, respects the diversity of opinions across Fiji and strengthens confidence in democratic institutions.

The organisation maintains that any Constitution must uphold the universal human rights of all people.