2018 IN REVIEW The following provides an overview of the key human rights achievements in 2018 Milestone Fiji secures seat and vice-presidency at the United Nations Human Rights Council Ambassador, Madam Nazhat Shameem Khan and Director, Mr. Ashwin Raj with the Fijian delegation at UN Human Rights Council in New York, 2018 Fiji is now a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council having secured 187 out of 192 valid votes on 12 October 2018. The Director collaborated with Madam Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva in lobbying for the first Pacific Small Islands Developing State (PSIDS to be a member of the Council. Fiji has also assumed the Vice-Presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This is a significant achievement not only for Fiji but also for the Human Rights Council as Fiji’s membership will strengthen the fabric of the Human Rights Council by recognizing the diverse human rights concerns of small island developing states (SIDS). Not only is this a victory for SIDS but this is the first time that a Pacific Small Islands Developing State (PSIDS) has joined the Human Rights Council as a member. Today’s decisive victory is a further catalyst for the national human rights commission and civil society to hold government accountable in fulfilling its commitment towards the protection and promotion of human rights in Fiji. Director, Ashwin Raj 12 Oct, 2018