The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights in Fiji is advocating for significant reforms to the legislation governing burial grounds, as highlighted in their review of the Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Committee identified persistent issues in regulation, record-keeping, and cultural preservation regarding both village and public burial grounds throughout the nation.
A critical finding of the review is that the existing Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Act fails to provide adequate regulation or oversight concerning village burial grounds. This includes important aspects such as their geographical boundaries, physical settings, and proper documentation. In light of these gaps, the Committee has urged the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to conduct a thorough examination of its governing Act to establish clear guidelines for managing village burial grounds effectively.
Additionally, the Committee has recommended a comprehensive national audit of burial ground boundaries and settings, emphasizing the necessity of proper oversight. They pointed out that many burial sites across Fiji remain unregistered, which leads to a lack of public awareness and regulatory control. To address this issue, the Committee is calling on the Ministry of Health to take proactive measures to promote awareness and ensure the formal registration of all burial grounds under the applicable regulations.
These recommendations aim not only to enhance the management of burial sites but also to safeguard the cultural significance associated with these grounds, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving Fiji’s heritage. By addressing these long-standing gaps, the proposed reforms could lead to better governance and community engagement regarding burial practices in the region.
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