The Fiji Council Of Social Services strongly supports secular state in the 2013 Constitution which protects all faiths while ensuring social welfare remains inclusive and neutral.
Executive Director of FCOSS, Vani Catanasiga highlighted this during their submission to the Constitution Review Commission this afternoon.
Catanasiga says this principle is fundamental to fostering an equitable society where all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, are treated equally under the law and have access to public services without discrimination.
She says they do recognize the need for more awareness on what a secular state entails.
The Executive Director further says there have been a lot of concerns raised on what this means on the ground because there were very little discussions on a secular versus a Christian State.
She says confusion continues to perpetuate fear in the community on these matters.
Member of the Commission, Doctor John Fatiaki raised that it's a justification for secular State to remain in the Constitution.
Dr Fatiaki highlighted that Secular State is a Godless state and he wonders if that directly contradict people's right.
Board member of FCOSS, Vipin Maharaj says Secular State doesn't necessarily mean Godless State.
Maharaj says it reflects that we are neutral as a country.
He adds that solely, Christian State can't look away from minority.
Dr Fatiaki adds that they will reflect on the majority.
Meanwhile, FCOSS also recommends separation of powers and the protection of the independence of the Judiciary.
They also recommend that the Constitution establish a clause for the appointment of a Vice President to perform functions in the President's absence and not the Chief Justice.
They say this prevents potential conflict of interest.
They also highlighted powers of Prime Minister and Attorney General, particularly in appointing constitutional office holders.
FCOSS suggests that judicial remuneration be based on a performance management framework.
They say that to strengthen judicial independence, that Chief Justice nominations should be jointly signed by the Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition before presented to the President.
FSCOSS also presents higher moral standards as prerequisites for appointment of the Head of State, such as no criminal convictions, no past complaints regarding sexual exploitation and abuse and no involvement in coups
They are advocating for removal of constitutional immunity provisions and entrenchment clauses.
FCOSS says this is to promote national healing and uphold rule of law.
