The Great Council of Chiefs is currently scrutinizing village by-laws and customary law in light of escalating concerns regarding community discipline. During their recent two-day biannual meeting, Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula emphasized the hurdles villages encounter when addressing issues related to members who disregard traditional protocols or engage in unlawful activities.
This examination of by-laws has become increasingly urgent, as calls to expedite their implementation have arisen amid a rise in criminal offenses within communities. Ratu Viliame acknowledged the human rights issues frequently mentioned during discussions about the expulsion of problematic individuals from villages. However, he stressed that the rights of the broader community must also be a priority, asserting, “We can’t have one to sabotage it.”
To address these pressing matters, a subcommittee of the GCC will investigate how customary law can effectively handle such situations while ensuring that legal and human rights considerations are adequately balanced. Ratu Viliame pointed out that this issue encourages a national dialogue about the relationship between tradition, law, and modern constitutional rights, highlighting the importance of community cohesion in maintaining stability and security within villages.
This initiative reflects a commitment not only to uphold community values but also to ensure that the rights of all residents are respected. By seeking solutions that harmonize traditional practices with contemporary legal frameworks, there’s a hopeful path forward that can strengthen community ties while addressing challenges head-on.
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