The Justice Ministry of Fiji is moving towards modernization with a comprehensive review of civil registration laws, which will transition the recording of vital life events such as births and marriages from outdated methods to contemporary digital systems. Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca announced that this is the first substantial reform in 50 years, aimed at enhancing civil registration, strengthening individuals’ rights, and improving national identity recognition.
The Pacific Community (SPC) has issued a press statement highlighting that this review constitutes an in-depth examination of Fiji’s civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) laws—the first of its kind since 1975. It forms part of an ongoing year-long project supported by SPC and the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Data for Health Initiative Global Grants Program. Kuruleca stated that the current system records approximately 71% of births and 88% of deaths, but the reliance on paper forms and traditional signatures creates barriers for citizens and the government.
Kuruleca emphasized that civil registration is fundamental to legal identity, which affects access to essential services like banking, education, and healthcare. Reliable death records also shape national health policies by providing insights into mortality causes. She expressed optimism that the review will identify necessary changes to bring Fiji’s civil registration into the modern era.
Jeff Montgomery, a CRVS specialist at SPC, underscored the importance of accessible civil registration systems, which impact everyone at different life stages. He noted that modern frameworks must inspire trust and secure sensitive information while ensuring that governments can plan services effectively. Montgomery pointed out the need for updated laws to reflect changing societal norms, including family structures and name recording.
In addition to updating the legal framework, the review is fostering regional capacity-building by involving two Pacific lawyers—Lakshika Fernando and Teresa Lifuka-Drecala—who have received specialized training for this technical review. This initiative signifies a step toward relying on local expertise rather than external consultants, harnessing the potential within the Pacific region.
The ongoing efforts to modernize civil registration in Fiji are vital not only for individual rights and identities but also for broader community engagement and effective governance. By enhancing access to legal registration services, there is hope that all citizens, particularly those in remote areas, will have their voices heard and their rights upheld, leading to a more connected and equitable society.
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