Change Act aimed at fulfilling commitments security forces monitored movement in and to reduce emissions under the Paris out of such settlements and there were Agreement. In November, Fiji called for complaints about the excessive use of force. stronger international carbon reduction commitments by 2030 at the global COP26 WOMEN’S RIGHTS meeting but failed to increase its own targets. Women in parliament, including the minister FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND for women, children and poverty alleviation, ASSEMBLY were subjected to misogynistic and sexist remarks by parliamentary colleagues and Authorities deported the vicechancellor of the online bullying and harassment. University of South Pacific (USP) in February Women’s rights organizations highlighted after he exposed the misuse of funds at the the increased prevalence of gender-based university in 2020. The government violence and unemployment among women subsequently withdrew funding to the USP as a result of the pandemic. after it reinstated the vice-chancellor to work INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS from the university’s Samoa campus. The Public Order Act and other laws were In July, the parliament passed amendments used to target and silence government critics. to the iTaukei Land Trust Act without A former doctor and a politician were adequate public consultation. The amended arrested in August after criticizing the law removed the requirement for consent by government’s Covid-19 pandemic response the iTaukei Land Trust Board for mortgages on social media. and leases issued on land owned by In May, the authorities denied trade unions Indigenous peoples. More than a dozen permission to hold a Labour Day march for people were arrested for voicing their the sixth consecutive year. opposition to the amendments, including two RIGHT TO HEALTH former prime ministers and the leaders of three major opposition parties. More than 730 people, including health workers, died from Covid-19. These deaths 1. Fiji: Blanket Mandatory Vaccine Policy Not Justified (Index: ASA were mainly attributed to the inadequately 18/4662/2021), 1 September resourced healthcare system. Hospitals turned away thousands of other patients due to bed shortages. FINLAND In August, the government imposed a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy which Republic of Finland required all employees and people on social Head of state: Sauli Niinistö welfare to be vaccinated or lose their jobs or Head of government: Sanna Marin 1 benefits. A survey conducted by the Fiji Women’s Social security benefits were inadequate, Rights Movement found that 42.3% of with particular impact on those most at risk women were hesitant about having the of discrimination. Sexual offences vaccine. The government nevertheless failed increased. Family reunification of refugees to prioritize health education and public remained difficult. Legislation around engagement on its vaccination policies. gender recognition was found wanting. Hundreds of fines were issued to private RIGHT TO SOCIAL SECURITY businesses and individuals between May and September for breaches of curfew and mask- Inadequate provision of social security wearing regulations. People living in informal benefits meant some people went without settlements were disproportionately affected sufficient food, medicine or healthcare by stay-at-home orders. The police and other because of a lack of financial resources. The Amnesty International Report 2021/22 166