The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has raised serious concerns regarding the proposed Criminal Records Bill 2025, which aims to repeal the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. FCOSS Program Manager Josaia Tokoni highlighted that this new legislation could jeopardize the safety of communities and vulnerable groups by potentially allowing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds to have their records expunged.
Tokoni pointed out that the current version of the Bill does not differentiate between serious and minor offenses within its rehabilitation framework. He emphasized that this lack of exclusion is a significant oversight, as it would enable individuals who have committed serious crimes to reintegrate into society without a trace of their past, especially concerning during humanitarian crises when community safety is paramount. “This poses a direct threat to the communities they return to,” he stated.
The repeal-and-replace strategy regarding the existing legislation has prompted Tokoni to call for amendments rather than outright repeal. He further emphasized the need for expanded protections, suggesting that Clause 55 should be revised to also safeguard humanitarian workers, who often operate in high-risk environments.
FCOSS is dedicated to working with Fiji’s most vulnerable populations, including women, children, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty. Tokoni reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring that local policies do not put these groups at risk, highlighting the delicate balance between rehabilitation and community safety.
By advocating for changes to the proposed Bill, FCOSS seeks to protect those who are most at risk in society while still aiming for a framework that allows for rehabilitation and second chances. The ongoing discussion around this legislation reflects a broader conversation about the implications of criminal records on community safety and the reintegration of former offenders into society.
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