The government’s recent initiative to register births and deaths has revealed a significant issue: many individuals in remote areas are living without official identity documents, some for extended periods. The Ministry of Justice is calling on Fijians to promptly register births and deaths to ensure accurate identity verification.
During a visit to the Ra District, Assistant Minister for Justice Ratu Josaia Niudamu emphasized the importance of birth certificates as essential proof of identity. These documents are crucial for accessing vital services such as education, healthcare, and voting rights. Niudamu recognized the particular challenges posed by unregistered births in rural and maritime regions and noted the coalition government’s commitment to enhancing registration rates, with more Fijians holding birth certificates than ever before.
To facilitate the registration of births, individuals will need the support of a next of kin who can act as an informant, provide a Notification of Birth from a hospital or health center, and present other necessary identification materials, including a passport-sized photo and a declaration signed by a Justice of the Peace. Once these documents are collected, they will be verified by the Births, Deaths, and Marriages Office to complete the registration process.
Niudamu also urged families to report unregistered deaths and encouraged community members to seek consultations or attend awareness sessions about the registration procedures. The Ministry of Justice aims to ensure that all Fijians can access their fundamental rights and services by increasing awareness and facilitating timely registrations.
This push is aligned with the prior objectives outlined by Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, who has expressed concern over delays in birth registration, particularly among parents. Turaga aims for a 100 percent registration rate in the next two years, as the current figure stands at only 80 percent. Many parents postpone registration until their children require enrollment in primary school, which is especially prevalent within the iTaukei community. The ministry is actively working to engage these communities and bridge the information gap crucial for effective policy planning and resource distribution.
With ongoing community outreach efforts and increased awareness, there is a positive outlook that more Fijians will soon acquire official identification, thereby securing their rights to health, education, and civic participation.
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