The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has identified several critical issues for Fiji to address as it prepares for its upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva on January 22, 2025. The report outlines key areas of concern stemming from previous reviews, emphasizing the necessity for Fiji to comply with international human rights treaties.

Among the pressing issues highlighted is Fiji’s failure to accede to important treaties, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The UN has also urged Fiji to commit to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and to ratify the Convention against Discrimination in Education, which remains unaddressed.

As of July 2024, all of Fiji’s reports to human rights treaty bodies are overdue, raising significant alarms within the UN regarding the lack of engagement with special procedures, including responses to requests from rapporteurs on judicial independence, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of human rights defenders. This inaction coincides with a recognized improvement in the administration of justice and the rule of law through reduced case backlogs and better legal aid services. However, historical human rights violations linked to military actions from 2006 to 2013 continue to hinder accountability and justice for victims.

Fiji’s legal framework is also under scrutiny due to restrictive laws, such as the Public Order Act and certain provisions in the Crimes Act. These laws limit freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, which negatively impacts civil society, journalists, and activists. The UN has recommended repealing these laws and developing comprehensive media regulations that uphold press freedom.

The report highlights a troubling social security gap, noting that only 2.6% of children in Fiji had access to social protection in 2024. The UN has urged the government to enhance the Care and Protection Allowance and invest in further social security measures to foster inclusivity and support for vulnerable groups.

In summary, while Fiji has made progress in some areas, persistent human rights challenges require urgent attention and action. Positive engagement with the UN’s recommendations presents an opportunity for Fiji to improve its human rights standing, promoting equality, justice, and dignity for all citizens. As Fiji approaches its review, there remains hope that meaningful reforms will be enacted to foster a more equitable society and greater adherence to international human rights standards.