FIJI HUMAN RIGHTS & ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2018 48 Business and Human Rights The plight of the seasonal workers from the Pacific working abroad, was highlighted in media and some of the grievances included allegations of mistreatment, verbal abuse by supervisors, exploitation and under-payment, denial of access to medical care, being under-fed, unable to move freely in the community including visiting family members, refusal of work breaks, denial of right to practice religion and harsh and repressive working conditions and little knowledge of their visa status. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) can use their mandate of carrying out independent investigations to encourage affected workers to lodge complaints. For instance, the Commission in 2016, investigated a case of human trafficking in relation to Filipino workers in Fiji whose passports were held by their employer for two years. The Constitutional safeguards against human trafficking must be supplemented by anti-trafficking policy as well as specific corporate strategies to prevent human rights violations particularly of women and children. NHRIs can also facilitate access to remedies available in the event of infraction of human rights including mediation or litigation proceedings. It is imperative that government departments, agencies and statutory bodies that shape business practices are fully aware of and observe the state’s human rights obligations. NHRIs can encourage states to develop specific legislations to ensure that they meet their human rights obligations as they pursue their economic objectives with their businesses by including relevant human rights provisions in business or investment treaties and contracts. Director, Mr. Ashwin Raj