Blue Ribbon Peace Special

Last Thursday, November 30th, we re-launched the Blue Ribbon, a symbol of a collective call to action in May 2000 (see background of the blue ribbon story below or online):

Fiji is united. United for the rule of law. United ready to denounce and prevent any illegal overthrow of the democratically elected government. However, But maybe I should qualify that last sentence – prevention – should not, never be through any armed intervention, but by diplomatic means through inclusive and integrated dialogue, notwithstanding, the inclusion of women.

We must also be united to ensure that we remain united for the long term. Let us consider how we can sustain this unity – once again to deal with a lot of the issues which have and will reemerge in the next few days and weeks – and I mean issues relating to the maintenance of the rule of law, ensuring a just and inclusive reconciliation process, completion of the criminal investigations of the May 2000 coup.

Having been saturated by the ongoing coverage of the ‘war of words” I have once again become mindful, yet again, of how the military speaks such a different language of the civilian sector and this remains a long term struggle for our transformation from a very militarized society to a more peaceful and integrated society, including women's participation in any security sector reform. As one of our partner organisations, ECREA, has highlighted, there is a serious need for us not just to react to the words, but to listen and understand deeply what is being said, by all players in this current impasse.

Several of us who were part of our women's peace vigil initiatives have had conversations of how we can sustain ourselves and our staff and volunteers, and those around us in our local communities, who are feeling isolated and more confused during what should be our festive season. This is critical, because, while Human Rights and Peace initiatives are continuing, we must also ensure that we have the strength not to be distracted from Fiji's long term reconstruction process.

femLINKPACIFIC, as an organisation that works to document and promote women's peace initiatives remains on course to contribute to the long term reconstruction/social-economic and political transformation of Fiji and also ensuring women can actively/safely participate in rebuilding our country after we hopefully peaceful pass through this current obstacle in our peace and reconciliation journey. Women, Peace and Security is the path we have and will continue to travel since 2000; we have our mobile radio station for creating safe spaces for community based dialogue, we will continue to facilitate the interfaith peace vigils and we have relaunched our Blue Ribbon symbol.

These are our small contributions in solidarity for a peaceful Fiji. All we can ask for at this stage is more than just divine intervention. We each hold within ourselves, the opportunity to make a difference for peace and security in Fiji. Let us not just engage for the short term but re-dedicate ourselves for the long term…to rebuilding a Fiji we all desire – a just, inclusive and peaceful Fiji.

"Wear a Blue Ribbon for Just'Peace and non violence in Fiji”"

Since May 2000 the Fiji-Blue Ribbon symbolises our collective call to action for peace and democracy and as well as an affirmation of active non violence and inclusive and just reconciliation"

For more information contact femLINKPACIFIC (Ph 679 3310303) or Visit www.femlinkpacific.org.fj

Vinaka-Shukriya, Peace
Sharon Bhagwan Rolls
Coordinator