Fiji’s Overcrowded Prisons: Is Reform On the Horizon?

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is grappling with a severe overcrowding crisis, particularly at the Suva Remand Centre, which was intended to house only 200 remandees but is currently accommodating between 380 to 400 inmates. Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa expressed concerns over these conditions, which not only exceed the facility’s capacity but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of both inmates and correctional staff.

To address this pressing issue, Dr. Nakarawa has proposed an urgent reassessment by the Courts regarding the remanding of individuals, advocating for judicial reforms to help reduce the inflow of new remandees. As part of their initiative, the FCS is looking into potential adjustments to bail conditions as a strategy to ease the overcrowding in correctional facilities.

Moreover, the FCS is working on amending the existing Crisis Act, which mandates that non-parole periods take precedence over remission policies. Dr. Nakarawa highlighted that this legal framework restricts the FCS’s ability to implement remission—typically a one-third reduction of an inmate’s sentence for good behavior—thereby complicating timely inmate releases. A previous Supreme Court ruling had prompted alterations to the Crisis Act, further complicating the remission process.

Dr. Nakarawa emphasized the urgency of these legal changes, noting, “The non-parole sentence disrupts our mechanism of remission… we normally deduct one-third of the sentence as remission, and that’s quite a lot.” This statement underscores the critical need for the correctional system to navigate legislative hurdles to better manage inmate populations and adhere to humane conditions.

Despite the daunting circumstances, the ongoing dialogues and reform efforts signal a promising trajectory for the correctional system in Fiji. Through collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, the FCS, and community partners, there is significant potential to create a more balanced and supportive system that emphasizes fair treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for remandees. These efforts not only aim to resolve immediate crises but also to build a sustainable framework for the future of Fiji’s correctional facilities.