New Delhi: The convention of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), which begins in New Delhi tomorrow (Jan 7, 2004) will focus on the Human Rights violations against the 'pravasis' residing abroad.

The GOPIO convention is in conjunction with the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be observed later this week.

"From Carribean to Africa there are many places where PIO (People of Indian Origin) are being targeted. We will discuss the issue in detail and take it up with Governments both in India and the country of our residence," GOPIO President Thomas Abraham said.

On the eve of the convention, he said, in Trinidad and Tobago after a Prime Minister of Indian origin lost elections, the community was at the receiving end of the ruling party.

Similarly there was discrimination against Guyanese PIOs, one reason being the community was not adequately represented in the armed forces and police there.

He said in Fiji, PIOs were not inducted in the Government exactly as envisaged in the Constitution there, yet India is expected to play host to the country's "racist" Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase next month.

"We are deeply perturbed on this issue and may pass a resolution against the likely opening of a Fiji High Commission in New Delhi despite the Government's discriminatory policies there," he added.

Abraham said that being a US resident, simultaneously he would take up the matter with his State's Congressman there, and other PIOs are expected to do likewise to curb economic aid to Fiji.