NDFSI plans a formal complaint against ZFM Radio over a video raising concerns about disability rights, dignity and consent.
By Steven Kamoa
The National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) is preparing a formal complaint against ZFM Radio Station over a fashion talk show programme video featuring a vulnerable individual, which the station shared on its official Facebook page.
NDFSI Chief Executive Officer Casper Fa’asala says the complaint will raise concerns about what the Forum considers unethical media content and a possible violation of the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
Fa’asala said the incident highlights the responsibility of media organisations, broadcasters, social media platforms and the public to respect human dignity, privacy and fundamental rights.
“I am here to express disappointment to the organisation as upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the Solomon Islands,” Fa’asala said.
He said the use of a person with psychosocial vulnerabilities in content that could expose them to public ridicule or exploitation raises concerns about discrimination and degrading treatment.
Fa’asala said the Forum intends to lodge a formal complaint with ZFM and report the video to Facebook moderators over concerns about possible harassment, bullying and exploitation.
He said NDFSI would also consider engaging its legal aid services and is calling for a public apology to the organisation and the removal of the video.
“We will file a formal complaint to the ZFM station regarding unethical content and violation of human dignity,” he said.
He maintained that the Forum would proceed with its complaint regardless of whether an apology had already been offered.
“Whatever apology is already given, we will still provide and file a formal complaint,” Fa’asala said.
Fa’asala referred to Chapter II of the Solomon Islands Constitution, which provides fundamental protections, including protection against inhuman or degrading treatment.
He said these protections apply to every citizen, whether they have a disability or not, and stressed that vulnerable individuals should not be exposed to public humiliation for entertainment.
“Subjecting an individual, especially with mental health vulnerabilities, to public ridicule and mockery or exploitation for media entertainment can violate their right to protection from treatment that degrades their human dignity,” he said.
He also highlighted the Preamble of the Constitution, which emphasises respect for human dignity and the value of every individual citizen.
Fa’asala further referred to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Solomon Islands ratified on 23 June 2023.
He highlighted Article 8, which addresses awareness-raising and combating stereotypes, prejudice and harmful practices against persons with disabilities.
“Any media information that we provide for the public, it must be educational, not abusing people,” he said.
He also referred to Article 16, which protects persons with disabilities from exploitation, violence and abuse, and Article 17, which protects their physical and mental integrity.
Fa’asala raised further concerns about privacy and consent under Article 22 of the convention, questioning whether the individual featured in the video had given consent for the recording and public circulation of the footage.
He stressed the importance of respecting an individual’s privacy and obtaining informed consent before recording and publishing sensitive material.
In response to the concerns raised by members of the public, ZFM has issued an apology to anyone who felt offended, hurt or disrespected by the content.
In its statement, the station said there was no intention to mock, ridicule, discriminate against or make fun of people living with disabilities.
ZFM explained that the individual featured in the segment had willingly approached the station to share his haircut, which he referred to as the “Roman Cut”. The station said it gave him an opportunity to be part of its fashion content, with the intention of celebrating personal style, confidence and individuality.
The station also said the individual was a regular visitor to ZFM and had been welcomed at the station on previous occasions.
However, ZFM acknowledged that the content may have been received differently by members of the public.
It said it recognised its responsibility to ensure its content reflects dignity, respect and inclusion for everyone, including people living with disabilities.
The station said it would reflect on the incident and take greater care in producing future content.
Despite the apology, Fa’asala maintained that National Disability Forum Solomon Islands would proceed with its formal complaint against the station.
