The 2025 Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) report has highlighted that many Fijians are still struggling to fully enjoy their civil liberties and political freedoms. Fiji scored 6.7 out of 10 in the Empowerment category, measuring how effectively people in Fiji can exercise basic freedoms like speech, assembly, government participation, and religious belief.
This score suggests an average performance among Pacific nations but also reveals significant ongoing challenges impacting many communities across the country. The breakdown from HRMI assigns specific scores within Fiji as: Freedom of assembly and association (6.1), Freedom of opinion and expression (6.6), Participation in government (7.2), and Freedom of religion and belief (8.1). Falling short in assembly and association with a score of 6.1 points to restrictions on public protests, civil society, and union activities.
The report indicates that the score for political opinion and expression continues to show media freedom and political discourse as being constrained for some, with a score of 6.6. According to HRMI, a score below 7 suggests not everyone is free to enjoy their rights fully, and some groups might encounter barriers or risk in trying to do so.
In recent years, Fiji has made some advancements in civil society and media freedoms as reflected in other similar assessments. There has been a repeal of restrictive media laws, lifting travel bans on critics, and efforts to improve transparency and accountability. These actions previously led to Fiji’s rise in rankings, such as moving from being labeled “obstructed” to “narrowed” in terms of civic space, demonstrating a more favorable environment for civic engagement. However, laws such as the Public Order Act continue to present significant hurdles for peaceful assembly and expression.
The current HRMI findings, alongside reports from Freedom House and CIVICUS Monitor, emphasize that while there have been positive steps, significant barriers remain that need addressing to safeguard freedoms. Continuous reforms and engagement between the government and civil society will be key to fostering an environment that supports human rights and democratic values. Fiji’s journey provides hope and potential for future progress as a model for other nations within the Pacific region aspiring to achieve greater civic freedoms and democratic principles.