Two leading women's NGOs in Fiji do not support the latest statements by the ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase that the Qoliqoli and Indigenous Claims Tribunal bills are not racist and he still aims to implement them when they come back into power.
The Qoliqoli Bill will transfer ownership of all foreshore areas to the descendants of their original owners in the 19th century and make it their private property.
And the Indigenous Claims Tribunal Bill will hear claims from indigenous groups who consider they were unfairly deprived of their land and resources in early colonial times.
The Fiji Women's Rights Movement Executive Director Virisila Buadromo told Fiji Village they do not support these two bills and any other which do not support human rights.
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali had similar sentiments.
The ousted Prime Minister and the leader of the SDL party, Laisenia Qarase had earlier told Fijivillage that the two bills are not racist and he still aims to implement them when they come back into power.
He also stressed the protection of indigenous Fijian rights does not mean that the other communities will be ignored as their rights will also be protected.
