A national review of Fiji’s law and justice sector has revealed alarming statistics, indicating that 87 percent of Fijians struggle to access formal legal remedies due to high costs, complex procedures, and outdated legislation. Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga presented the findings from the Functional Status of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector Report in Parliament, emphasizing that these results highlight the long-standing systemic challenges that compromise the efficiency and accessibility of justice in the nation.
The report outlines significant issues within the legal framework, including “structural fragmentation and unclear mandates,” inefficiencies within the judiciary, infrastructure deficits, resource limitations, and a lack of community engagement. Mr. Turaga pointed out that many laws in Fiji are still rooted in the 1879 legal framework, with several institutions operating independently without proper coordination—a situation he likened to a “silos syndrome” that has persisted for years.
Despite these hurdles, Mr. Turaga also noted a narrative of resilience within the justice sector, citing the dedication and integrity of those working within it. The government has formulated a Cabinet-endorsed roadmap that translates the report’s findings into seven actionable reform pillars aimed at modernizing the justice system and making it more accessible to the public. This roadmap is intended as a living document, reaffirming the commitment to ensure that Fijians feel respected, protected, and heard when they engage with any justice-related entities.
The launch of Fiji’s inaugural Law and Justice Sector Reform Roadmap for 2025–2029 was conducted during the first-ever Justice Summit in Nadi, which drew participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society. International partners, such as DFAT, UNDP, and the European Union, also contributed to the summit, which underscored a renewed obligation to rebuild public trust and enhance collaboration across all elements of the justice system.
Mr. Turaga described the findings of the report as “sobering and hopeful,” indicating that true reform requires sustained effort and partnerships. He called for faith in Fiji’s institutions and the collective resilience of its people.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya emphasized the necessity of maintaining judicial independence while implementing the reform roadmap. He expressed disappointment that the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights was not invited to the summit, suggesting that its involvement could have been beneficial for the reform discussions.
Overall, as Fiji embarks on this journey to reform its justice system, there are signs of optimism. By addressing these longstanding inadequacies and fostering a collaborative environment for dialogue and reform, Fiji aims to cultivate a more accessible, efficient, and equitable legal framework for all its citizens.