PM: GCC ROLE IS CRUCIAL

PM Sitiveni Rabuka is interviewed by The Fiji Times at his office in Suva last month. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed the vital role of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) in safeguarding the cultural, historical, and collective rights of the iTaukei.

In a recent response to a question in The Fiji Times column A Conversation with the Prime Minister, Mr Rabuka emphasised that the GCC remains crucial in the evolving social and political landscape of Fiji.

Mr Rabuka stressed the GCC plays an important role in ensuring the continued welfare and rights of the iTaukei, especially about land and sea resources, must be safeguarded.

“The GCC is the council that keeps everything relevant and protected in the interest of landowners and land users, especially the collective rights,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that the council’s role is vital in the protection and recognition of iTaukei landowners and “land-users”, particularly at a time when the indigenous population faces challenges in maintaining their cultural and economic autonomy.

“The whole world has woken up to the danger of losing indigenous cultures and wisdoms,” Mr Rabuka stated.

Mr Rabuka also highlighted the global push to protect indigenous cultures, referencing international agreements such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention 169.

“UNDRIP outlines the rights of indigenous peoples to freely preserve their cultures, use their land and resources, and protect them from discrimination.

“Similarly, ILO Convention 169 ensures fair treatment for indigenous and tribal people, particularly in areas like employment, education, and healthcare.”