It's important people show basic human decency and stop vilifying an individual who has been identified as the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Fiji - Raj

The Director of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Ashwin Raj says it is important that people show basic human decency and stop vilifying an individual in Lautoka who has been identified as the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Fiji.

Raj says instead of vilifying and apportioning blame, all Fijians must unite in solidarity, take heed of the stringent but proportionate measures outlined by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in his address to the nation and desist from engaging in acts that encourage racism, xenophobia and stigmatization.

Raj adds we must respect human rights in the context of COVID-19 and realise that those that maybe suspected to have contracted the virus must enjoy the right to health without stigma and the right to privacy.

He says COVID-19 will also have a disproportionate impact on a broad range of economic and social rights as well as freedoms.