Why is it important for you to participate in Fiji's constitution making process?
03/08/2012
Fiji's youth are encouraged to think about why they should be involved in the development of a new Constitution for Fiji, in an essay competition being run by the Citizens' Constitutional Forum (CCF).
Young citizens (aged 18 - 20 years) should express in their own words, "Why it is important for you to participate in Fiji's constitution making process" to be in the running for a first prize of $200, second prize of $150 and third prize of $100.
Essays of no more than 1,000 words must be hand written or typed and can be in English, I-Taukei or Hindi. The deadline for submissions is 7 September 2012. Submissions should include your name, address and phone number, and be submitted to:
ESSAY COMPETITION
Citizens Constitutional Forum
P.O. Box 12584
Suva
Or hand-delivered to the CCF office at 23 Denison Road, Suva, or emailed to ccf@kidanet.net.fj
CCF is a non-government organisation based in Suva, that provides education and advocacy on Fiji's constitution, and the principles of democracy, human rights and multiculturalism.
Representatives of the CCF, together with representatives of TI Fiji, attended a workshop with the Constitutional Commission to discuss the consultation process and how civic society organisations (CSOs) can get involved in the civic education process and encourage citizens to be involved in building their constitution.
The Commission told CSOs that it's important for a wide representation of citizens to provide the Commission with information on what's important to them as individuals, and as members of their society.
Submissions from citizens - made verbally at public or private consultation sessions, or submitted by post, email or via Facebook - should let the Commission know about what's important to them. Citizens can make the Commission aware of any problems - whether its a lack of basic facilities like water, sanitation, clinics, or the behaviour of government agencies, or access to justice. After the Commission has received submissions it will prepare a draft constitution that will deliver democracy and include the respect for, protection and promotion of human rights.
The CCF is asking 18 - 20 year olds why their voice in building a constitution is important - no doubt there are a lot of young people who know exactly why they should have an input into the new constitution. Now they just need to capture those thoughts and ideas, put them words, and submit their essay to the CCF by 7 September.