16 September 2011

Democracy Armbands at World Cup Rugby Game

Rugby fans are being asked to wear a white armband to the Fiji - South Africa rugby match on Saturday night to show support for a democratic Fiji.

Peter Conway said “whichever team your supporting at the game, we’re asking you to show support for a fair and democratic Fiji by wearing an armband at the game.”

The Fijian military regime has promulgated a series of Decrees that strip away civil and trade union rights, impose strict press censorship, prevented many church activities, abolish minimum wages and conditions of employment, and terminate existing collective agreements.

Patrick Holmes, CEO of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand said “the implementation of the Essential National Industries (Employment) Decree means that fundamental human rights are at stake. Amnesty International supports workers in Fiji and we are deeply concerned that such a decree will severely curtail their rights and the right of expression, association and assembly.”

“Trade unionists have been assaulted, harassed and arrested simply for doing their job. We’re calling for a return to democracy and a reversal of these draconian laws, and asking rugby supporters to show their support for this by wearing an armband at the game,” said Peter Conway.

In the last couple of weeks we have seen the Pacific Islands Forum express major concerns about the deteriorating situation in Fiji, a strong statement of condemnation by Jonathon Temm, President of the NZ Law Society, criticism by the International Labour Organisation and a high level of concern expressed from Churches.

Peter Conway said that fans are being asked to bring a white armband to wear at the game on Saturday night. A group will also be handing out some white armbands and information about the situation in Fiji.

ENDS

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