The proposed repeal of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act in favor of the Criminal Records Bill 2025 has raised significant concerns about the safety and security of communities, particularly vulnerable populations. The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has voiced serious apprehensions regarding the implications of the new bill.
Josaia Tokoni, Program Manager at FCOSS, highlighted that the current form of the bill does not exclude serious offenses from its rehabilitation framework, which could lead to individuals with major criminal records having their offenses erased. This situation presents a potential threat to community safety, especially in high-risk scenarios such as humanitarian crises. Tokoni emphasized that the absence of exclusions for serious crimes represents a critical oversight in the proposed legislation.
Tokoni conveyed the organization’s belief that a repeal-and-replace approach poses inherent risks and advocated for amendments to the bill rather than a complete repeal. During discussions, committee member Ratu Josaia Niudamu inquired whether the legislation should be limited to minor offenses. Tokoni responded that doing so would not sufficiently mitigate risk and suggested that Clause 55 should be expanded to include protections for humanitarian workers.
As FCOSS engages with some of Fiji’s most vulnerable demographics—including women, children, individuals with disabilities, and those facing poverty—Tokoni underlined the necessity of ensuring that policy decisions do not inadvertently expose these groups to harm.
The discussion surrounding the Criminal Records Bill highlights the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety, underlining the importance of thoughtful legislative amendments that prioritize the wellbeing of all community members. The dialogue also underscores the ongoing efforts of organizations like FCOSS to advocate for safer environments for those at greater risk.