Fiji has been highlighted in the 2025 Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) report for receiving its lowest score in the category of torture and ill-treatment. The country scored a mere 5.5 out of 10 in this category, which is part of the “Safety from the State” section of the HRMI civil and political rights assessment. While this represents a troubling aspect of Fiji’s human rights record, there have been notable areas of progress as well, such as the abolition of the death penalty, which scored a perfect 10. However, mistreatment by authorities continues to be a pressing issue.
Scores below 6, such as in this category, fall into the “bad” range, indicating systemic abuse concerns. Other HRMI scores for Fiji include forced disappearance at 7.3, extrajudicial execution at 7.0, and arbitrary arrest at 6.0. Overall, Fiji’s national summary score is 6.4, placing it in the mid-range globally for protection from state-inflicted harm.
These findings coincide with critical issues previously outlined by the United Nations and human rights organizations about Fiji’s need to address legal frameworks that inhibit freedoms of expression, assembly, and press rights. The report underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and better treatment of vulnerable populations to improve human rights practices.
While Fiji has shown advancement in areas like justice administration and civic engagement, historical human rights violations and restrictive laws continue to challenge its human rights standing. Notably, the international community and human rights organizations have called for Fiji to accede to important international treaties and protocols to further guarantee the protection of human rights.
HRMI’s annual index is a pivotal tool for civil society and researchers to track progress over time. As Fiji plans further reforms and prepares for evaluations such as the Universal Periodic Review, engaging with these recommendations offers a pathway to enhanced human rights protections, promoting equality, justice, and dignity for all citizens.
Efforts and collaboration between the government and civil society are essential to address these human rights challenges effectively. Although concerns remain, the ongoing focus and commitment to improvement provide hope for a future where Fiji’s human rights are respected and upheld consistently.