The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is currently reviewing village by-laws and customary law in response to increasing concerns regarding community discipline. During their recent two-day biannual meeting, Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the challenges villages face as they manage individuals who disregard traditional protocols or engage in illegal activities.
This initiative comes after heightened calls to expedite the implementation of Village By-Laws amid rising criminal offenses in communities. Ratu Viliame acknowledged the human rights implications often raised when discussing the potential removal of individuals from villages. He stressed, however, that the rights of the broader community must be taken into account, insisting that the actions of one person should not jeopardize the stability of the entire village.
“But we have to also think about the rest of the remaining members of the community. We can’t have one person sabotage it,” he stated. In light of these challenges, a subcommittee of the GCC will be tasked with examining how customary law can effectively address such situations while considering both legal and human rights frameworks.
This discussion revives a critical national dialogue concerning the balance between tradition, legal frameworks, and modern constitutional rights. The GCC’s efforts reflect a commitment to uphold community integrity while navigating the complexities of contemporary societal challenges. This initiative shows a hopeful sign towards fostering a disciplined and harmonious community, where both individual rights and communal values are respected.