Update: 3:11PM The Fiji Human Rights Commission is concerned with latest calling of the Methodist Church Conference proposing to focus on evangelising the non-Christian population in Fiji.
The Commission cautioned the Conference, saying the freedom of religion has absolute protection in Fiji under the rule of law.
Commission chairperson, Dr Shaista Shameem said her office was taken aback by media reports that the General Secretary of the Methodist Church, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu, has directed the evangelical department of the Church to specifically target the Indian population.
She said any such targeting of a minority group for particular attention for evangelising or conversion by the Methodist Church would violate the fundamental human rights principle of freedom of religion enshrined in the 1997 Constitution of Fiji.
"It would also breach essential principles of the rule of law and international human rights," she said.
"Most significantly, it would run contrary to the Methodist Churchs own avowed commitment, given publicly at its annual conference, to promote human rights, the 1997 Constitution and the rule of law."
Dr Shameem said the Commission would like to inform the public that human rights laws that protect freedom of religion in Fiji are as follows: "1997 Constitution, Section 35 of the 1997 Constitution which states that: 'Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion and belief'.
She said anyone trying to impose restrictions on freedom of religion in Fiji would be committing an offence under the 1997 Constitution and violating international rule of law principles.
"Complaints can be lodged with the Commission or directly with the courts."
