The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has a constitutional mandate under section 45(4)(c) of the Fijian Constitution to monitoring, investigating and reporting on the observance of human rights in all spheres of life. As a National Human Rights Institution, the Commission undertook a key initiative in 2018 to monitor the 2018 General Election with an aim to ensure Fiji enjoys a free, fair and credible elections. The Commission played an instrumental role both in the pre-electoral and the post-electoral phases, promoting and monitoring protection of all human rights during the election process. The Commission worked closely with the Fijian Elections Office in educating and informing the voters about the election process, in particular, features of a free and fair elections, observance Minimum human rights standards • Principle of ‘non-discrimination’, which means every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection, treatment and benefit of the law. • Creation of an atmosphere that ensures full political participation where citizens do not fear for their safety as a result of their participation. The law must therefore guarantee fundamental human rights and freedoms. This includes:     Freedom of speech, expression and publication and people must be able to freely express themselves including a free, fair and responsible media that gives access to all political viewpoints. Right to information to be able to make an informed choice. Right to peaceful (non-violent) assembly that must be only limited by law in the interest of national security, public safety, public order, public morality, public health and the orderly conduct of elections. Freedom of association including the right to form and participate in political organisations. All restrictions must be (1) prescribed by law and (2) necessary in a democratic society for the protection of public interests. Role of the police and security forces must be clearly defined. Human rights and freedoms come with responsibilities. The right to freedom of expression DOES NOT give one the right to promote hate speech or incite violence based on race, religion, ethnicity and other prohibited grounds of discrimination. FIJI HUMAN RIGHTS & ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMISSION process. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 31