A national review of Fiji’s law and justice sector has revealed that a staggering 87 percent of Fijians are unable to access formal legal redress due to financial constraints, the complexity of legal processes, and outdated laws. Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga presented the findings in the “Functional Status of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector Report” to Parliament, stating that the data exposes “systemic challenges that have long hindered the efficiency and accessibility of justice in Fiji.”
The report highlighted several critical issues including structural fragmentation, unclear mandates, inefficient judicial processes, infrastructural deficiencies, human resource limitations, and a lack of community engagement. Many laws currently in effect date back as far as 1879, and numerous institutions operate “in silos” without sufficient coordination, a point Turaga characterized as the persistent “silos syndrome” that needed addressing.
Despite these challenges, Turaga emphasized that the report also tells of resilience, pointing to the dedication and integrity of those working within the justice sector. Notably, a Cabinet-endorsed roadmap has been developed, transforming these insights into “clear actionable priorities” organized around seven fundamental reform pillars.
“The roadmap is not just a policy document,” Turaga explained. “It embodies a commitment to restore humanity to justice, ensuring that when a Fijian enters a courtroom, police station, or registry, they feel respected, protected, and heard.” This ambitious effort was further exemplified by the official launch of Fiji’s first-ever Law and Justice Sector Reform Roadmap 2025–2029 during the inaugural Justice Summit held in Nadi, which brought together representatives from the Judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society.
International partners, including DFAT, UNDP, UNICEF, SPC, and the European Union, participated in the summit, which not only introduced the critical documents but also signified a renewed commitment to rebuilding public trust and enhancing collaboration across the justice system. The roadmap defines strategies aimed at improving judicial efficiency, combating corruption, embracing digital modernization, making justice more accessible, initiating legislative reform, and fostering community engagement.
Turaga described the findings as “sobering and hopeful,” underscoring the overwhelming number of Fijians hindered by the cost and complexity of accessing formal legal redress. He stated, “True reform takes time, perseverance, and partnership,” and most importantly, it demands faith in institutions, each other, and the resilient spirit of the Fijian people.
Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya echoed Turaga’s remarks but called upon the government to ensure that judicial independence remains central to implementing the reform roadmap. Koya criticized the inclusion process for the summit, noting the absence of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, which he said could have made significant contributions to the dialogue.
The momentum for justice reform appears promising, as it reflects a collective effort to address severe deficiencies in the legal framework while striving for a more equitable and efficient judicial system. With collaborative dialogue, these initiatives signal a hopeful path toward ensuring that justice is accessible to all Fijians, thus fostering a legal environment that embodies respect, responsibility, and unity.
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