The Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimination Commission says it “strongly condemns the horrors and human rights breaches during the Girmit era.”

In a message signed off by chairperson Pravesh Sharma, the commission said this in its Girmit Day message where it paid homage to the thousands of Girmityas (Indian migrant workers) who were brought to Fiji from India by the British some 145 years ago under the Indenture System.

“The Girmit system represents a dark chapter in our history, marked by violence, abuse, exploitation and systemic disregard for human dignity,” the commission said. 

“Available literature shows that around 60,500 Indian migrant workers were shipped to Fiji from India, between 1879 and 1916, who were subjected to torture, harsh working conditions to forced labor, discrimination, and the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms.

“As we reflect on this painful history, today, it is important to recognize the historical injustices suffered during Girmit. 

“The victims of violence surely deserve an apology from their oppressors.”

The Commission  said it acknowledges that the descendants of the Girmityas have been afforded equal citizenry as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji and they continue to contribute in the development of Fiji, their home.