The proposal to repeal the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act in favor of the Criminal Records Bill 2025 has sparked serious concerns about community safety, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has raised significant alarms regarding the potential implications of this new legislation.
Josaia Tokoni, Program Manager at FCOSS, has criticized the current version of the bill, pointing out that it fails to exclude serious offenses from its rehabilitation framework. This gap could allow individuals with serious criminal backgrounds to have their offenses erased, potentially jeopardizing community safety, especially in high-risk situations, including humanitarian crises. Tokoni marked this lack of exclusions for serious crimes as a major flaw in the proposed legislation.
FCOSS believes that a repeal-and-replace strategy carries significant risks, advocating instead for amendments to the bill rather than complete repeal. During discussions, committee member Ratu Josaia Niudamu questioned the possibility of limiting the legislation to minor offenses. However, Tokoni warned that this approach would insufficiently address risks and proposed that Clause 55 be broadened to offer additional protections for humanitarian workers.
As FCOSS represents some of Fiji’s most vulnerable segments—including women, children, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty—Tokoni emphasized the importance of making policy decisions that do not inadvertently endanger these at-risk groups.
This conversation surrounding the Criminal Records Bill highlights the challenging balance between the goals of rehabilitation and the imperative of public safety, demonstrating the necessity for careful legislative amendments that ensure the wellbeing of all community members. It also underscores the vital role of organizations like FCOSS in advocating for safer environments for those who are most at risk. This ongoing dialogue holds the promise of enhancing protections for vulnerable populations while navigating the complexities of crime and rehabilitation in society.