Justice Michael Kirby addresses the 50th Anniversary of the Fiji Law Society: Raising the Bar the next 50 years

Over 150 people including the speakers attended the 50th Anniversary gathering of the Fiji Law Society held in Sigatoka, Fiji on 27-29 May 2006. They included members of the judiciary, the government, private practitioners and members of Law Asia and Queensland Law Society.

As lawyers and the wider community in the Pacific are discussing punitive measures against positive people who may be wilfully spreading the virus, thus challenging confidentiality issues, the rights of positive people and others such as the gay community, members of the legal profession need to be sensitised to these many challenges related to HIV and AIDS. Australia’s Justice, Michael Kirby, widely respected in legal circles and known for his eloquence was invited to address the gathering. The “Kirby paradox” has evolved into the human rights approach to AIDS – a message that APLF is promoting in the Pacific Islands. This paradox states that the most effective way of preventing the spread of HIV is to protect the rights of the groups most affected, i.e., sex workers, homosexuals and drug users.

Justice Kirby did not disappoint. His presentation was clear, concise, humorous, moving, educational, humane and inspirational. He provided convincing reasons why lawyers, as leaders and teachers, must play their part in responding to AIDS. Besides strengthening the partnership with Fiji Law Society, APLF is following up several recommendations raised by the gathering.

Full text of Michael Kirby’s address (click here)