| FIJI Republic of the Fiji Islands Republic of the Fiji Islands/Matanitu ko Viti Joined United Nations: 13 October 1970 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 07/13/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Suva (on Viti Levu)
957,780 (July 2010 est.)
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
President since 30 July 2009
President since 30 July 2009
Note - former President Iloilovatu announced his retirement in
late July and stepped down on 30 July 2009; Vice President
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will serve as acting-president pending the
selection of a new president
Next scheduled election: September 2014
late July and stepped down on 30 July 2009; Vice President
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will serve as acting-president pending the
selection of a new president
Next scheduled election: September 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Note- On 10 April 2009 the president suspended the constitution
and fired the judges who declared its military government illegal.
Bainimarama resigned as interim Prime Minister but is expected
to be reappointed as part of a new interim government which
would serve until elections in September 2014.
and fired the judges who declared its military government illegal.
Bainimarama resigned as interim Prime Minister but is expected
to be reappointed as part of a new interim government which
would serve until elections in September 2014.
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Fijian 57.3% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indian 37.6%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 3.9%
(European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)
(European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 64.5% (Methodist 34.6%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican
0.8%, other 10.4%), Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified 0.3%, none 0.7% (2007 census)
0.8%, other 10.4%), Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified 0.3%, none 0.7% (2007 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic comprised of 4 divisions and 1 dependency; Legal system is based on British system
Executive: President elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); prime
minister appointed by the president; election last held 8 March 2006 Note- former President Iloilovatu stepped
down effective 30 July 2009; Vice President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will serve as new president. In a December 2006
military coup led by Commodore Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama, he initially appointed himself acting president.
Iloilovatu was reaffirmed as president by the Great Council of Chiefs in a statement issued on 22 December, and
reappointed by the coup leader Bainimarama. In January 2007, Bainimarama was appointed interim prime minister
by Iloilovatu. On 10 April 2009 the president suspended the constitution and fired the judges who declared its military
government illegal. Bainimarama resigned as interim Prime Minister but was reappointed as part of a new interim
government which would serve until elections in September 2014.
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14 appointed by the president on the advice of
the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the
Opposition Leader, and 1 appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71
seats; 23 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups, 1 reserved
for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year
terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 6-13 May 2006 (next to be held 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts
Executive: President elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); prime
minister appointed by the president; election last held 8 March 2006 Note- former President Iloilovatu stepped
down effective 30 July 2009; Vice President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will serve as new president. In a December 2006
military coup led by Commodore Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama, he initially appointed himself acting president.
Iloilovatu was reaffirmed as president by the Great Council of Chiefs in a statement issued on 22 December, and
reappointed by the coup leader Bainimarama. In January 2007, Bainimarama was appointed interim prime minister
by Iloilovatu. On 10 April 2009 the president suspended the constitution and fired the judges who declared its military
government illegal. Bainimarama resigned as interim Prime Minister but was reappointed as part of a new interim
government which would serve until elections in September 2014.
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14 appointed by the president on the advice of
the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the
Opposition Leader, and 1 appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71
seats; 23 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups, 1 reserved
for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year
terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 6-13 May 2006 (next to be held 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts
| LANGUAGES |
English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies
though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing
tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar
has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar
processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the
December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with
substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The
EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include
low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas
remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit
reached 23% of GDP in 2006.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Fiji)
though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing
tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar
has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar
processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the
December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with
substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The
EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include
low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas
remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit
reached 23% of GDP in 2006.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Fiji)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Disgruntled by two bills before the Fijian Parliament, one offering amnesty for the leaders of the 2000 coup, the
military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama asked Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to resign in mid October,
2006. The Prime Minister attempted to sack Bainimarama without success. Australian and New Zealand
governments expressed concerns about a possible coup.
On 4 November 2006, Qarase dropped the controversial amnesty measures from the bill.
On 29 November New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters organised talks in Wellington between Prime
Minister Laisenia Qarase and Commodore Bainimarama. Peters reported the talks as "positive" but after returning to
Fiji Commodore Bainimarama announced that the military were to take over most of Suva and fire into the harbour
"in anticipation of any foreign intervention".
Bainimarama announced on 3 December 2006 that he had taken control of Fiji.
Bainimarama restored the Presidency to Ratu Josefa Iloilo on 4 January 2007, and in turn was formally appointed
interim Prime Minister by Iloilo the next day.
On April 10, 2009, Fijian President Ratu Josefa Iloilo announced on a nationwide radio broadcast that he had
suspended the Constitution of Fiji, dismissed the Court of Appeal and assumed all governance in the country after
the court ruled that the current government is illegal.
Most of Fiji's political controversies are related to the ethnic fault line that characterizes Fijian politics. Fiji is one of
the rare countries in the world that officially imposes disabilities on a group that constitutes a large part of the
population, on the basis of race. It has caused an exodus of the Indians, who until recently formed a slight majority.
Sources: Wikipedia Politics of Fiji
military leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama asked Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to resign in mid October,
2006. The Prime Minister attempted to sack Bainimarama without success. Australian and New Zealand
governments expressed concerns about a possible coup.
On 4 November 2006, Qarase dropped the controversial amnesty measures from the bill.
On 29 November New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters organised talks in Wellington between Prime
Minister Laisenia Qarase and Commodore Bainimarama. Peters reported the talks as "positive" but after returning to
Fiji Commodore Bainimarama announced that the military were to take over most of Suva and fire into the harbour
"in anticipation of any foreign intervention".
Bainimarama announced on 3 December 2006 that he had taken control of Fiji.
Bainimarama restored the Presidency to Ratu Josefa Iloilo on 4 January 2007, and in turn was formally appointed
interim Prime Minister by Iloilo the next day.
On April 10, 2009, Fijian President Ratu Josefa Iloilo announced on a nationwide radio broadcast that he had
suspended the Constitution of Fiji, dismissed the Court of Appeal and assumed all governance in the country after
the court ruled that the current government is illegal.
Most of Fiji's political controversies are related to the ethnic fault line that characterizes Fijian politics. Fiji is one of
the rare countries in the world that officially imposes disabilities on a group that constitutes a large part of the
population, on the basis of race. It has caused an exodus of the Indians, who until recently formed a slight majority.
Sources: Wikipedia Politics of Fiji
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Fiji
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Fiji is a republic with a population of approximately 837,000. The 1997 constitution provided for a ceremonial president selected by
the Great Council of Chiefs and an elected prime minister and Parliament. However, in 2006 the armed forces commander,
Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, overthrew the elected government in a bloodless coup d'etat. In 2007 the interim military
government was replaced by a nominally civilian interim government headed by Bainimarama as prime minister. Bainimarama and
his Military Council controlled the security forces.
On April 9, the Court of Appeal declared the coup and the interim government unlawful. On April 10, the government abrogated the
constitution, imposed a state of emergency, and began to rule by decree.
Public Emergency Regulations (PER), initially promulgated April 10 for a three-month period, were repeatedly extended and
remained in effect at year's end.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Fiji is a republic with a population of approximately 837,000. The 1997 constitution provided for a ceremonial president selected by
the Great Council of Chiefs and an elected prime minister and Parliament. However, in 2006 the armed forces commander,
Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, overthrew the elected government in a bloodless coup d'etat. In 2007 the interim military
government was replaced by a nominally civilian interim government headed by Bainimarama as prime minister. Bainimarama and
his Military Council controlled the security forces.
On April 9, the Court of Appeal declared the coup and the interim government unlawful. On April 10, the government abrogated the
constitution, imposed a state of emergency, and began to rule by decree.
- Bainimarama's de facto government denied citizens the right to change their government peacefully.
- In April the de facto government dismissed the entire judiciary and replaced it with its own appointees.
- It censored and intimidated the media and restricted freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully.
- Other problems during the year included police and military impunity;
- poor prison conditions;
- attacks against religious facilities;
- the dismissal of constitutionally appointed government officials, as well as elected mayors and town councils;
- government corruption;
- deep ethnic divisions;
- violence and discrimination against women;
- sexual exploitation of children.
Public Emergency Regulations (PER), initially promulgated April 10 for a three-month period, were repeatedly extended and
remained in effect at year's end.
Click here to read more »
8 January 2008
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Seventh session, Item 3 of the provisional agenda
PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
Report of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise
of the right of peoples to self-determination
Chairperson-Rapporteur: Mr. José Luis Gómez del Prado
Addendum
MISSION TO FIJI*
(14-18 May 2007)
Summary
At the invitation of the interim Government of Fiji, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human
rights and impeding the exercise of the rights of peoples to self-determination visited Fiji from 14 to 18 May 2007. The Group
welcomed this opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the interim Government and other stakeholders on issues of its
mandate.
The Working Group notes that Fiji has an established tradition of well-trained, disciplined and highly skilled military and security
personnel, who perform security functions in various capacities worldwide. However, the Working Group notes with concern that
in a number of instances, the security-related functions carried out by Fijians abroad through private military and security
companies (PMSCs) may qualify as mercenary-related activities. Unemployment and/or underemployment, a migratory population
ready to perform security work abroad, and largely unmonitored activities of private security companies in Fiji have facilitated such
recruitment in Fiji for work, including in Iraq. The Working Group has received information indicating contractual irregularities,
harsh working conditions with excessive working hours, partial or non-payment of remuneration, ill-treatment and lack of basic
necessities such as medical treatment and sanitation.
The Working Group has noted the absence of national legislation and measures in Fiji to effectively address these issues, and
encourages the Fiji authorities to take positive action in order to ensure that private military and security companies in Fiji operate
within a legal framework in full accordance with international human rights standards. The Working Group recommends accession
to the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. It also recommends the
development of national legislation to address mercenaries, mercenary-related activities and the activities of private companies
offering military assistance, consultancy and security services on the international market; this can take place through the
introduction of such elements in the penal legislation or through the elaboration of a separate comprehensive law. The Working
Group also recommends the establishment of a system for regulating, licensing, controlling and monitoring the activities of private
security companies in order to provide effective oversight whereby the authorities would maintain transparent registers of private
security companies on all matters such as ownership, statutes, purposes and functions as well as a system of regular inspections to
ensure accountability. It also recommends the adoption of measures to address issues of reintegration and post-traumatic stress
disorder in individuals returning from security work abroad through the establishment of a comprehensive system of debriefing and
professional counselling. The Working Group further urges the adoption of measures by the competent authorities allowing them to
act with speed and vigour on complaints submitted by individuals who have returned from Iraq and to consider the complicity and
responsibility of the private security companies and individuals involved.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Seventh session, Item 3 of the provisional agenda
PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
Report of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise
of the right of peoples to self-determination
Chairperson-Rapporteur: Mr. José Luis Gómez del Prado
Addendum
MISSION TO FIJI*
(14-18 May 2007)
Summary
At the invitation of the interim Government of Fiji, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human
rights and impeding the exercise of the rights of peoples to self-determination visited Fiji from 14 to 18 May 2007. The Group
welcomed this opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the interim Government and other stakeholders on issues of its
mandate.
The Working Group notes that Fiji has an established tradition of well-trained, disciplined and highly skilled military and security
personnel, who perform security functions in various capacities worldwide. However, the Working Group notes with concern that
in a number of instances, the security-related functions carried out by Fijians abroad through private military and security
companies (PMSCs) may qualify as mercenary-related activities. Unemployment and/or underemployment, a migratory population
ready to perform security work abroad, and largely unmonitored activities of private security companies in Fiji have facilitated such
recruitment in Fiji for work, including in Iraq. The Working Group has received information indicating contractual irregularities,
harsh working conditions with excessive working hours, partial or non-payment of remuneration, ill-treatment and lack of basic
necessities such as medical treatment and sanitation.
The Working Group has noted the absence of national legislation and measures in Fiji to effectively address these issues, and
encourages the Fiji authorities to take positive action in order to ensure that private military and security companies in Fiji operate
within a legal framework in full accordance with international human rights standards. The Working Group recommends accession
to the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. It also recommends the
development of national legislation to address mercenaries, mercenary-related activities and the activities of private companies
offering military assistance, consultancy and security services on the international market; this can take place through the
introduction of such elements in the penal legislation or through the elaboration of a separate comprehensive law. The Working
Group also recommends the establishment of a system for regulating, licensing, controlling and monitoring the activities of private
security companies in order to provide effective oversight whereby the authorities would maintain transparent registers of private
security companies on all matters such as ownership, statutes, purposes and functions as well as a system of regular inspections to
ensure accountability. It also recommends the adoption of measures to address issues of reintegration and post-traumatic stress
disorder in individuals returning from security work abroad through the establishment of a comprehensive system of debriefing and
professional counselling. The Working Group further urges the adoption of measures by the competent authorities allowing them to
act with speed and vigour on complaints submitted by individuals who have returned from Iraq and to consider the complicity and
responsibility of the private security companies and individuals involved.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2010
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In 2009, Fiji continued to be ruled by an interim government headed by the leaders of the 2006 military coup. A court ruled in April
that the dismissal of Laisenia Qarase and the dissolution of Parliament in 2006, as well as Frank Bainimarama’s 2007 appointment
as interim prime minister, were illegal. President Josefa Iloilo subsequently suspended the constitution, reinstated Bainimarama as
caretaker prime minister, and imposed Public Emergency Regulations. Throughout the year, the regime became increasingly
intolerant of criticism, suppressing the media and voices of dissent through arrests and lawsuits.
Bainimarama and Qarase continued to pursue rival lawsuits in 2008, with the former seeking to nullify the 2006 elections based on
alleged vote rigging by the UFP, and the latter calling for the interim government to be declared illegal. The Suva High Court
dismissed Qarase’s suit against the interim regime in October, ruling that Iloilo’s appointment of the interim government was valid.
Qarase filed another suit to stop work on the Charter, and the High Court granted an injunction in November to cease work on the
document. However, the interim government subsequently obtained a stay on the injunction from the High Court to allow the
drafting to continue.
In December, the final version of the Charter was released with recommendations to address the many sources of ethnic tensions,
including replacing the communal electoral rolls with a one-person-one-vote system; teaching Fijian and Hindi in all schools to
promote multiculturalism; and designating all citizens as Fijians, a term previously reserved only for indigenous Fijians. The Charter
also officially confirmed the military’s role in governing Fiji. Opposition members, the teacher’s union, and the Methodist Church
of Fiji and Rotuma all opposed the Charter.
In February 2009, Bainimarama announced the appointments of additional military officers to the cabinet and other senior
government posts. Commander Francis Kean—Bainimarama’s brother-in-law who was sentenced to 18 months in prison for
manslaughter in 2007—was appointed as head of the navy.
In April, the October 2008 High Court decision was overturned, and the court of appeal ruled that the 2006 dismissal of Qarase and
his cabinet, the dissolution of Parliament, and the 2007 appointment of Bainimarama as interim prime minister were illegal. The
president was ordered to appoint a caretaker prime minister to dissolve Parliament and call elections, though Bainimarama and
Qarase were barred from being selected. Iloilo suspended the 1997 constitution the following day, reconfirmed himself as president
under a “new legal order,” nullified all judicial appointments, and imposed Public Emergency Regulations (PER) to suppress public
opposition; the PER remained in place through year’s end. Bainimarama, who had resigned following Iloilo’s abrogation of the
constitution, was named as caretaker prime minister and reappointed his previous cabinet. In July, Iloilo retired from the
presidency, and Epeli Nailatikau—a military officer and the vice president—became the interim president.
Bainimarama remained defiant of international criticism and pressure throughout the year, isolating Fiji in the process. In
September, Bainimarama promised a new constitution based on the Charter by 2013 and elections in September 2014, ignoring
domestic and international requests to set earlier dates. In May, the European Union terminated millions in development aid and Fiji
was suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), a regional political and economic bloc. In March and September,
respectively, the United Nations and the British military said they would no longer recruit soldiers from Fiji. The country was
officially suspended from the Commonwealth in September.
Bainimarama’s relationship with traditional chiefs and the influential Methodist church also worsened throughout the year. He
banned a Methodist church conference scheduled for August and charged a traditional high chief with disobedience for his
involvement in the event.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In 2009, Fiji continued to be ruled by an interim government headed by the leaders of the 2006 military coup. A court ruled in April
that the dismissal of Laisenia Qarase and the dissolution of Parliament in 2006, as well as Frank Bainimarama’s 2007 appointment
as interim prime minister, were illegal. President Josefa Iloilo subsequently suspended the constitution, reinstated Bainimarama as
caretaker prime minister, and imposed Public Emergency Regulations. Throughout the year, the regime became increasingly
intolerant of criticism, suppressing the media and voices of dissent through arrests and lawsuits.
Bainimarama and Qarase continued to pursue rival lawsuits in 2008, with the former seeking to nullify the 2006 elections based on
alleged vote rigging by the UFP, and the latter calling for the interim government to be declared illegal. The Suva High Court
dismissed Qarase’s suit against the interim regime in October, ruling that Iloilo’s appointment of the interim government was valid.
Qarase filed another suit to stop work on the Charter, and the High Court granted an injunction in November to cease work on the
document. However, the interim government subsequently obtained a stay on the injunction from the High Court to allow the
drafting to continue.
In December, the final version of the Charter was released with recommendations to address the many sources of ethnic tensions,
including replacing the communal electoral rolls with a one-person-one-vote system; teaching Fijian and Hindi in all schools to
promote multiculturalism; and designating all citizens as Fijians, a term previously reserved only for indigenous Fijians. The Charter
also officially confirmed the military’s role in governing Fiji. Opposition members, the teacher’s union, and the Methodist Church
of Fiji and Rotuma all opposed the Charter.
In February 2009, Bainimarama announced the appointments of additional military officers to the cabinet and other senior
government posts. Commander Francis Kean—Bainimarama’s brother-in-law who was sentenced to 18 months in prison for
manslaughter in 2007—was appointed as head of the navy.
In April, the October 2008 High Court decision was overturned, and the court of appeal ruled that the 2006 dismissal of Qarase and
his cabinet, the dissolution of Parliament, and the 2007 appointment of Bainimarama as interim prime minister were illegal. The
president was ordered to appoint a caretaker prime minister to dissolve Parliament and call elections, though Bainimarama and
Qarase were barred from being selected. Iloilo suspended the 1997 constitution the following day, reconfirmed himself as president
under a “new legal order,” nullified all judicial appointments, and imposed Public Emergency Regulations (PER) to suppress public
opposition; the PER remained in place through year’s end. Bainimarama, who had resigned following Iloilo’s abrogation of the
constitution, was named as caretaker prime minister and reappointed his previous cabinet. In July, Iloilo retired from the
presidency, and Epeli Nailatikau—a military officer and the vice president—became the interim president.
Bainimarama remained defiant of international criticism and pressure throughout the year, isolating Fiji in the process. In
September, Bainimarama promised a new constitution based on the Charter by 2013 and elections in September 2014, ignoring
domestic and international requests to set earlier dates. In May, the European Union terminated millions in development aid and Fiji
was suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), a regional political and economic bloc. In March and September,
respectively, the United Nations and the British military said they would no longer recruit soldiers from Fiji. The country was
officially suspended from the Commonwealth in September.
Bainimarama’s relationship with traditional chiefs and the influential Methodist church also worsened throughout the year. He
banned a Methodist church conference scheduled for August and charged a traditional high chief with disobedience for his
involvement in the event.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
10 June 2010
Fiji: Amnesty International calls for Public Emergency Regulations to be lifted and freedoms of expression and religion
to be respected
Amnesty International welcomes the revocation in May 2010 of the Pensions and Retirement Allowances Decree 2009 (in force
since January 2010), as recommended during the review. This decree had given the Prime Minister the power to stop pension
payments and allowances of those who were critical of the government.
Amnesty International considers, however, that since the review in the UPR Working Group, the human rights situation in Fiji has
not improved. In April 2010, the government announced its intention to promulgate a decree to regulate the media industry. The
draft measures provide for a media tribunal with powers to imprison journalists and editors for up to five years or to impose hefty
fines on them if they publish or broadcast anything deemed against “national interest”.2If enacted, the decree will extend and
deepen the already widespread censorship provided for under the Public Emergency Regulations. This runs counter to many
recommendations made during the review to end censorship of the media and to enforce a legal framework to enable media to
operate freely and independently. Amnesty International welcomes Fiji’s assurances to support recommendations to revoke the
Public Emergency Regulations and calls on the government to abandon the draft decree aimed at silencing the media.
Several States raised the issue of discrimination and violence against women and Amnesty International welcomes Fiji’s acceptance
of their recommendations. The organization is encouraged by the membership of the Minister for Women in Fiji’s Security Council
and other measures targeted at providing greater equality for women. However, violence against women remains a concern, and
Amnesty International calls on the government to enforce the Domestic Violence Decree 2009, which has not been implemented
nine months after its enactment.
Discrimination against members of the Methodist Church of Fiji continues; they have been banned from holding their annual
conference until 2014. Since July 2009, more than 25 ministers and officials of the church have been arrested, detained and
charged under the Public Emergency Regulations. Amnesty International calls on Fiji to act on the recommendations made during
the review and to restore a legal framework to guarantee the right to freedom of religion and the protection of all religious groups
and minorities.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
10 June 2010
Fiji: Amnesty International calls for Public Emergency Regulations to be lifted and freedoms of expression and religion
to be respected
Amnesty International welcomes the revocation in May 2010 of the Pensions and Retirement Allowances Decree 2009 (in force
since January 2010), as recommended during the review. This decree had given the Prime Minister the power to stop pension
payments and allowances of those who were critical of the government.
Amnesty International considers, however, that since the review in the UPR Working Group, the human rights situation in Fiji has
not improved. In April 2010, the government announced its intention to promulgate a decree to regulate the media industry. The
draft measures provide for a media tribunal with powers to imprison journalists and editors for up to five years or to impose hefty
fines on them if they publish or broadcast anything deemed against “national interest”.2If enacted, the decree will extend and
deepen the already widespread censorship provided for under the Public Emergency Regulations. This runs counter to many
recommendations made during the review to end censorship of the media and to enforce a legal framework to enable media to
operate freely and independently. Amnesty International welcomes Fiji’s assurances to support recommendations to revoke the
Public Emergency Regulations and calls on the government to abandon the draft decree aimed at silencing the media.
Several States raised the issue of discrimination and violence against women and Amnesty International welcomes Fiji’s acceptance
of their recommendations. The organization is encouraged by the membership of the Minister for Women in Fiji’s Security Council
and other measures targeted at providing greater equality for women. However, violence against women remains a concern, and
Amnesty International calls on the government to enforce the Domestic Violence Decree 2009, which has not been implemented
nine months after its enactment.
Discrimination against members of the Methodist Church of Fiji continues; they have been banned from holding their annual
conference until 2014. Since July 2009, more than 25 ministers and officials of the church have been arrested, detained and
charged under the Public Emergency Regulations. Amnesty International calls on Fiji to act on the recommendations made during
the review and to restore a legal framework to guarantee the right to freedom of religion and the protection of all religious groups
and minorities.
Click here to read more »
UN Rights Council: Demand End to Fiji Abuses
Press Military Government to Reverse Growing Crackdown on Dissent
February 9, 2010
(Geneva) - UN members should press Fiji's military government during a review of its human rights record to end arbitrary arrests,
ill-treatment in detention, and interference with judicial independence, and to ensure a swift return to democratic rule, Human
Rights Watch said today. Fiji will undergo its first Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a review of each member country's human
rights record held every four years, before the Human Rights Council in Geneva, on February 11, 2010.
Human Rights Watch, in a submission to the Council as part of the review process, called for corrective action to deal with Fiji's
abusive emergency regulations, impunity of security forces for human rights abuses, and censorship in the country's newsrooms
since Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama seized power in a December 5, 2006 coup.
"A harsh crackdown on the media and perceived government critics has vaulted Fiji to among the top human rights abusers in the
Pacific," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The military government's attempts to justify its
seizure of political power as necessary for good governance and racial harmony ring hollow when it continues to abuse the rights
of its people."
Fiji's military and police arbitrarily arrest and detain human rights defenders, journalists, and others perceived as critical of the
military government. Since the coup, four people have died in military or police custody and dozens have been intimidated, beaten,
sexually assaulted, or subjected to cruel and degrading treatment. Security personnel implicated in three of the custodial deaths
remain free.
Human rights abusers in the army and police feel they will be protected from prosecution or any other punishment, Human Rights
Watch said. Because Fiji contributes many troops to global UN peacekeeping efforts, both the UN and member countries should be
concerned about the deployment of abusive Fijian troops to UN operations.
Human Rights Watch expressed concern that the human rights situation in Fiji is likely to deteriorate further. Fiji's land force
commander, Brigadier General Pita Driti, warned government critics in a January 5 interview with the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation
that "I would like to tell [our adversaries] to keep low and try to cooperate with us...otherwise they will be in for something really
hard in terms of how we will treat them this year."
Click here to read more »
Press Military Government to Reverse Growing Crackdown on Dissent
February 9, 2010
(Geneva) - UN members should press Fiji's military government during a review of its human rights record to end arbitrary arrests,
ill-treatment in detention, and interference with judicial independence, and to ensure a swift return to democratic rule, Human
Rights Watch said today. Fiji will undergo its first Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a review of each member country's human
rights record held every four years, before the Human Rights Council in Geneva, on February 11, 2010.
Human Rights Watch, in a submission to the Council as part of the review process, called for corrective action to deal with Fiji's
abusive emergency regulations, impunity of security forces for human rights abuses, and censorship in the country's newsrooms
since Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama seized power in a December 5, 2006 coup.
"A harsh crackdown on the media and perceived government critics has vaulted Fiji to among the top human rights abusers in the
Pacific," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The military government's attempts to justify its
seizure of political power as necessary for good governance and racial harmony ring hollow when it continues to abuse the rights
of its people."
Fiji's military and police arbitrarily arrest and detain human rights defenders, journalists, and others perceived as critical of the
military government. Since the coup, four people have died in military or police custody and dozens have been intimidated, beaten,
sexually assaulted, or subjected to cruel and degrading treatment. Security personnel implicated in three of the custodial deaths
remain free.
Human rights abusers in the army and police feel they will be protected from prosecution or any other punishment, Human Rights
Watch said. Because Fiji contributes many troops to global UN peacekeeping efforts, both the UN and member countries should be
concerned about the deployment of abusive Fijian troops to UN operations.
Human Rights Watch expressed concern that the human rights situation in Fiji is likely to deteriorate further. Fiji's land force
commander, Brigadier General Pita Driti, warned government critics in a January 5 interview with the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation
that "I would like to tell [our adversaries] to keep low and try to cooperate with us...otherwise they will be in for something really
hard in terms of how we will treat them this year."
Click here to read more »
General Debate 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
26 September, 2009
Mr. President,
Fiji and its people, like all small developing island states, are among the first victims of contemporary global crises such as the
financial and economic crisis, the swine flu pandemic, and most dramatic of all, the phenomenon of climate change. In small
economies such as ours, these global events have a very real effect on the daily livelihoods of our people. For our part, we have
attempted to respond to some of these crises by making policy changes and adjustments, encouraging our people to grow their own
food, and discouraging food imports wherever possible. Over the last two years the size of the public service has been rationalized.
We have maintained a very streamlined Cabinet structure and significantly controlled government operational costs.
There have been critics of the events in Fiji since December 2006, when the military, with great reluctance was forced to remove the
then government of Fiji. I believe that these critics are largely unaware of the extent to which politicians, in league with those who
employ terror as a tactic to push a racial supremacy and corrupt agenda, had become a threat to the safety and security of our people.
Terrorism has become a global issue and it impacts Fiji as well. We are fully cooperating in the international effort to control and
contain this scourge.
Next year on October the 10th, Fiji will celebrate the 40th year of its independence and the 40th anniversary of our membership of the
United Nations. We embraced our independence full of enthusiasm, excited by the prospect of deciding our own future and believing
that our community as a whole would work together in order to achieve a better life for all our people. Our path has not been smooth
or easy.
His Excellency the President of Fiji abrogated the Constitution on 10 April of this year. He took this step when the Court of Appeal
ruling created a legal vacuum, a constitutional anomaly which would have also prevented the implementation of the reforms which
were mandated by him, to achieve a truly democratic state.
On 1st July, of this year I announced a road map intended to lead Fiji to a new Constitution, and elections based on equality, equal
suffrage, human rights, justice, transparency, modernity and true democratic ideals.
The new Constitution, implementing the reforms and the result of extensive consultations, will be in place by September 2013. This
will give the people of Fiji, a year to become familiar with its provisions before elections in September 2014.
There have been critics of this time line. These critics ask why work on the new constitution will not commence before September
2012. The answer is very simple, at least to those who know and understand Fiji's history. Fiji has had a colonial history which
created many anomalies and inequalities, the legacy of which resonates today. Consequently and of the making of the politicians, our
post-colonial period has been punctuated with political instability. On each occasion that a new government is voted into power, the
old elite which benefited financially from the previous established government has been able to successfully destabilize the government
and to replace it with its own supporters and representatives. This was only possible because those institutions of the State which
were supposed to protect democracy and democratic values, instead colluded with the elite, to destabilize and replace the new
government. That is not all.
I ask for patience and understanding particularly from our neighbours who have shown a surprising lack of understanding and
disregard of the peculiar situation which our country has experienced since independence. Put another way, Mr. President, there is an
almost blind faith that once independence has been granted to those who were under colonial rule, and the machinery of democracy
begins to work, that the country concerned would have plain sailing. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Click here to read more »
Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
26 September, 2009
Mr. President,
Fiji and its people, like all small developing island states, are among the first victims of contemporary global crises such as the
financial and economic crisis, the swine flu pandemic, and most dramatic of all, the phenomenon of climate change. In small
economies such as ours, these global events have a very real effect on the daily livelihoods of our people. For our part, we have
attempted to respond to some of these crises by making policy changes and adjustments, encouraging our people to grow their own
food, and discouraging food imports wherever possible. Over the last two years the size of the public service has been rationalized.
We have maintained a very streamlined Cabinet structure and significantly controlled government operational costs.
There have been critics of the events in Fiji since December 2006, when the military, with great reluctance was forced to remove the
then government of Fiji. I believe that these critics are largely unaware of the extent to which politicians, in league with those who
employ terror as a tactic to push a racial supremacy and corrupt agenda, had become a threat to the safety and security of our people.
Terrorism has become a global issue and it impacts Fiji as well. We are fully cooperating in the international effort to control and
contain this scourge.
Next year on October the 10th, Fiji will celebrate the 40th year of its independence and the 40th anniversary of our membership of the
United Nations. We embraced our independence full of enthusiasm, excited by the prospect of deciding our own future and believing
that our community as a whole would work together in order to achieve a better life for all our people. Our path has not been smooth
or easy.
His Excellency the President of Fiji abrogated the Constitution on 10 April of this year. He took this step when the Court of Appeal
ruling created a legal vacuum, a constitutional anomaly which would have also prevented the implementation of the reforms which
were mandated by him, to achieve a truly democratic state.
On 1st July, of this year I announced a road map intended to lead Fiji to a new Constitution, and elections based on equality, equal
suffrage, human rights, justice, transparency, modernity and true democratic ideals.
The new Constitution, implementing the reforms and the result of extensive consultations, will be in place by September 2013. This
will give the people of Fiji, a year to become familiar with its provisions before elections in September 2014.
There have been critics of this time line. These critics ask why work on the new constitution will not commence before September
2012. The answer is very simple, at least to those who know and understand Fiji's history. Fiji has had a colonial history which
created many anomalies and inequalities, the legacy of which resonates today. Consequently and of the making of the politicians, our
post-colonial period has been punctuated with political instability. On each occasion that a new government is voted into power, the
old elite which benefited financially from the previous established government has been able to successfully destabilize the government
and to replace it with its own supporters and representatives. This was only possible because those institutions of the State which
were supposed to protect democracy and democratic values, instead colluded with the elite, to destabilize and replace the new
government. That is not all.
I ask for patience and understanding particularly from our neighbours who have shown a surprising lack of understanding and
disregard of the peculiar situation which our country has experienced since independence. Put another way, Mr. President, there is an
almost blind faith that once independence has been granted to those who were under colonial rule, and the machinery of democracy
begins to work, that the country concerned would have plain sailing. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Click here to read more »
Fiji’s Human Rights Commission
Rights Quarterly
December 2009
This quarter saw the Commission celebrating its 10th year anniversary on the 2nd October, 2009. This milestone achievement
marked a decade of existence for the Commission
in Fiji.
The Commission marked the occasion by having an in-house celebration where the media and certain Government officials were
invited to be part of the celebrations. The Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, Lieutenant Colonel Pio Tikoduadua
was the Chief Guest. As the only national human rights institution in the country that existed in the last 10 years, FHRC is
committed to fostering a culture of promoting and protecting human rights in Fiji.
On the same note, the World Human Rights Day was celebrated on the 10th of December and this year, the theme is ‘Embrace
Diversity, End Discrimination’. Although this is a global event, the Commission did its part by organizing an ‘open day’ where
members of the public were given free educational materials on human rights. This was to raise awareness and to make important
information about human rights readily available to the general public.
The Commission believes that in times of economic downturn, human rights protection for the most vulnerable members of
society should not be eroded.
During 2009, the Commission assisted in drafting policies on various human rights issues, appeared before the Courts on human
rights concerns and conducted various human rights training in the country.
The Commission continues to receive requests from various organizations to conduct human rights based trainings. The
Commission was invited by the Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI) to give human rights presentation at their Convention. The
Convention was held at the Warwick Hotel in October.
Another brochure was released in this quarter, which was on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC brochure
is now in circulation to the public. The Commission continues to produce and release human rights based educational publications
through its Education & Promotions Section to educate the public on the nature and content of human rights.
Click here to read more »
Rights Quarterly
December 2009
This quarter saw the Commission celebrating its 10th year anniversary on the 2nd October, 2009. This milestone achievement
marked a decade of existence for the Commission
in Fiji.
The Commission marked the occasion by having an in-house celebration where the media and certain Government officials were
invited to be part of the celebrations. The Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, Lieutenant Colonel Pio Tikoduadua
was the Chief Guest. As the only national human rights institution in the country that existed in the last 10 years, FHRC is
committed to fostering a culture of promoting and protecting human rights in Fiji.
On the same note, the World Human Rights Day was celebrated on the 10th of December and this year, the theme is ‘Embrace
Diversity, End Discrimination’. Although this is a global event, the Commission did its part by organizing an ‘open day’ where
members of the public were given free educational materials on human rights. This was to raise awareness and to make important
information about human rights readily available to the general public.
The Commission believes that in times of economic downturn, human rights protection for the most vulnerable members of
society should not be eroded.
During 2009, the Commission assisted in drafting policies on various human rights issues, appeared before the Courts on human
rights concerns and conducted various human rights training in the country.
The Commission continues to receive requests from various organizations to conduct human rights based trainings. The
Commission was invited by the Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI) to give human rights presentation at their Convention. The
Convention was held at the Warwick Hotel in October.
Another brochure was released in this quarter, which was on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC brochure
is now in circulation to the public. The Commission continues to produce and release human rights based educational publications
through its Education & Promotions Section to educate the public on the nature and content of human rights.
Click here to read more »
News Briefs
Fri - Apr 17 '09
Apr 17, 2009
Military Commander Frank Bainimarama has revealed the position of Ombudsman won't be filled. He made the comments, while
addressing military officials yesterday. Bainimarama says all grievances normally dealt by the Ombudsman office, will now have to
be directed to the Judiciary. (fijitv.com)
The Permanent Secretary for Information said Fiji is under a new Legal Order and the country will continue to have the Public
Emergency Regulation for now. Speaking to Radio NZ, Major Neumi Leweni said Fiji continues trading as normally with overseas
countries and the government does not want any negativity. (fijivillage.com)
The ground work for the country’s first Dalo council is being laid with plans to make the $8m industry fetch double export
earnings. As facilitators the Agricultural Marketing Authority(AMA) says such a council would ensure the exporters won’t cheat
farmers by buying cheaply and farmers would provide a stable supply. (FT)
Items currently under price control must be raised immediately,PIB has warned traders and supermarkets. The warning comes as
complaints flooded in over increases in the price of goods and services following the devaluation of the Fiji $. (FT)
Almost 100 nurses, who are members of the Fiji Nurses Association, will be leaving the nursing profession as a result of the new
State Decree which is now in effect. And another 40 nurses have also resigned from the profession over the January to March
period this year it has been revealed. (FS)
Click here to read more>>
Fri - Apr 17 '09
Apr 17, 2009
Military Commander Frank Bainimarama has revealed the position of Ombudsman won't be filled. He made the comments, while
addressing military officials yesterday. Bainimarama says all grievances normally dealt by the Ombudsman office, will now have to
be directed to the Judiciary. (fijitv.com)
The Permanent Secretary for Information said Fiji is under a new Legal Order and the country will continue to have the Public
Emergency Regulation for now. Speaking to Radio NZ, Major Neumi Leweni said Fiji continues trading as normally with overseas
countries and the government does not want any negativity. (fijivillage.com)
The ground work for the country’s first Dalo council is being laid with plans to make the $8m industry fetch double export
earnings. As facilitators the Agricultural Marketing Authority(AMA) says such a council would ensure the exporters won’t cheat
farmers by buying cheaply and farmers would provide a stable supply. (FT)
Items currently under price control must be raised immediately,PIB has warned traders and supermarkets. The warning comes as
complaints flooded in over increases in the price of goods and services following the devaluation of the Fiji $. (FT)
Almost 100 nurses, who are members of the Fiji Nurses Association, will be leaving the nursing profession as a result of the new
State Decree which is now in effect. And another 40 nurses have also resigned from the profession over the January to March
period this year it has been revealed. (FS)
Click here to read more>>
Polynesian peoples are believed to have settled the Fijian islands some 3,500 years ago, with Melanesians following
around a thousand years later. Most authorities agree that they originated in Southeast Asia and came via Indonesia.
Archeological evidence shows signs of settlement on Moturiki Island from 600 BC and possibly as far back as 900
BC. According to oral tradition, the indigenous Fijians of today are descendants of the chief Lutunasobasoba and
those who arrived with him on the Kaunitoni canoe. Landing at what is now Vuda, the settlers moved inland to the
Nakauvadra mountains. Though this oral tradition has not been independently substantiated, the Fijian government
officially promotes it, and many tribes today claim to be descended from the children of Lutunasobasoba. Recent
research by the Fiji Museum and the University of the South Pacific (USP) has found that skeletons excavated at
Natadola in Sigatoka, at least 3000 years old, belonged to the first settlers of Fiji, with their origins in South China or
Taiwan. Dutch navigator Abel Tasman was the first known European visitor to Fiji, sighting the northern island of
Vanua Levu and the North Taveuni archipelago in 1643. James Cook, the British navigator, visited one of the
southern Lau islands in 1774. It was not until 1789, however, that the islands were charted and plotted, when
William Bligh, the castaway captain of the HMS Bounty, passed Ovalau and sailed between the main islands of Viti
Levu and Vanua Levu en route to Batavia, in what is now Indonesia. Bligh Water, the strait between the two main
islands, is named after him, and for a time, the Fiji Islands were known as the Bligh Islands. The first Europeans to
settle among the Fijians were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from Australian penal colonies. In 1804, the
discovery of sandalwood on the southwestern coast of Vanua Levu led to an increase in the number and frequency
of Western trading ships visiting Fiji. A sandalwood rush began in the first few years but it dried up when supplies
dropped between 1810 and 1814. By 1820, the traders returned for beche-de-mer or sea cucumber. In the early
1820s, Levuka was established as the first European-style town in Fiji, on the island of Ovalau. In the early 1820s,
Levuka was established as the first modern town in Fiji, on the island of Ovalau. The intervention of European
traders and missionaries, of whom the first arrived from Tahiti in 1830, led to increasingly serious wars among the
native Fijian confederacies. Supplied with weapons by Swedish mercenary Charlie savage, Ratu Tanoa, the Vunivalu
(a chiefly title meaning Warlord, often translated also as Paramount Chief) of Bau Island, defeated the much larger
Burebasaga Confederacy and succeeded in subduing much of western Fiji. His successor, Seru Epenisa Cakobau,
fought to consolidate Bauan domination throughout the 1850s and 1860s, and started calling himself the Tui Viti, or
King of Fiji. He faced opposition, however, from local chiefs who saw him at best as first among equals, and also
from the Tongan Prince Enele Ma'afu, who had established himself on the Island of Lakeba in the Lau archipelago in
1848. A Christian, Ma'afu brought Wesleyan missionaries from Tonga, and the Methodist Church gained its first
foothold in Fiji. Most chiefs in the west regarded the Wesleyan missionaries, aligned as they were seen to be with
Ma'afu, as a threat to their power, refused conversion, and resisted missionary attempts to set up outposts in their
villages. Cakobau's claimed position was also undermined by international developments. The United States
threatened intervention following a number of incidents involving their consul, John Brown Williams. His trading store
had been looted by Fijian natives following an accidental fire, caused by stray cannon fire during a Fourth of July
celebration in 1849. In June 1871, John Bates Thurston, the British honorary consul, forged a "marriage of
convenience" between Cakobau and the settlers, and persuaded the Fijian chiefs to accept a constitutional monarchy
with Cakobau as king, but with real power in the hands of a cabinet and Legislature dominated by settlers. The
formal cession of Fiji to Britain took place on 10 October 1874, when Cakobau, Ma'afu, and the Paramount Chiefs
of Fiji signed two copies of the Deed of Cession. Ninety-six years of British rule followed. Sir Hercules Robinson,
who had arrived on 23 September 1874, was appointed as interim Governor. He was replaced in June 1875 by Sir
Arthur Gordon. Gordon decided in 1878 to import indentured labourers from India to work on the sugarcane fields
that had taken the place of the cotton plantations. The 463 Indians arrived on 14 May 1879 - the first of some
61,000 that were to come before the scheme ended in 1916. Fiji was only peripherally involved in World War I. By
the time of World War II, the United Kingdom had reversed its policy of not enlisting natives, and many thousands of
Fijians volunteered for the Royal Fiji Military Forces. After World War II, Fiji began to take its first steps towards
internal self-government. These steps towards self-rule were welcomed by the Indo-Fijian community, which by that
time had come to outnumber the native Fijian population. With numerous compromises, Fiji became independent on
October 10, 1970. Since attaining independence from the United Kingdom on 10 October 1970, Fijian history has
been marked by exponential economic growth up to 1987, followed by relative stagnation, caused to a large extent
by political instability following two military coups in 1987 and a civilian putsch in 2000. Rivalry between indigenous
Fijians and Indo-Fijians, rather than ideological differences, have been the most visible cleavage of Fijian politics. A
series of coups have ensued since independence, the most recent on 5 December 2006 which continues today.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Fiji
around a thousand years later. Most authorities agree that they originated in Southeast Asia and came via Indonesia.
Archeological evidence shows signs of settlement on Moturiki Island from 600 BC and possibly as far back as 900
BC. According to oral tradition, the indigenous Fijians of today are descendants of the chief Lutunasobasoba and
those who arrived with him on the Kaunitoni canoe. Landing at what is now Vuda, the settlers moved inland to the
Nakauvadra mountains. Though this oral tradition has not been independently substantiated, the Fijian government
officially promotes it, and many tribes today claim to be descended from the children of Lutunasobasoba. Recent
research by the Fiji Museum and the University of the South Pacific (USP) has found that skeletons excavated at
Natadola in Sigatoka, at least 3000 years old, belonged to the first settlers of Fiji, with their origins in South China or
Taiwan. Dutch navigator Abel Tasman was the first known European visitor to Fiji, sighting the northern island of
Vanua Levu and the North Taveuni archipelago in 1643. James Cook, the British navigator, visited one of the
southern Lau islands in 1774. It was not until 1789, however, that the islands were charted and plotted, when
William Bligh, the castaway captain of the HMS Bounty, passed Ovalau and sailed between the main islands of Viti
Levu and Vanua Levu en route to Batavia, in what is now Indonesia. Bligh Water, the strait between the two main
islands, is named after him, and for a time, the Fiji Islands were known as the Bligh Islands. The first Europeans to
settle among the Fijians were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from Australian penal colonies. In 1804, the
discovery of sandalwood on the southwestern coast of Vanua Levu led to an increase in the number and frequency
of Western trading ships visiting Fiji. A sandalwood rush began in the first few years but it dried up when supplies
dropped between 1810 and 1814. By 1820, the traders returned for beche-de-mer or sea cucumber. In the early
1820s, Levuka was established as the first European-style town in Fiji, on the island of Ovalau. In the early 1820s,
Levuka was established as the first modern town in Fiji, on the island of Ovalau. The intervention of European
traders and missionaries, of whom the first arrived from Tahiti in 1830, led to increasingly serious wars among the
native Fijian confederacies. Supplied with weapons by Swedish mercenary Charlie savage, Ratu Tanoa, the Vunivalu
(a chiefly title meaning Warlord, often translated also as Paramount Chief) of Bau Island, defeated the much larger
Burebasaga Confederacy and succeeded in subduing much of western Fiji. His successor, Seru Epenisa Cakobau,
fought to consolidate Bauan domination throughout the 1850s and 1860s, and started calling himself the Tui Viti, or
King of Fiji. He faced opposition, however, from local chiefs who saw him at best as first among equals, and also
from the Tongan Prince Enele Ma'afu, who had established himself on the Island of Lakeba in the Lau archipelago in
1848. A Christian, Ma'afu brought Wesleyan missionaries from Tonga, and the Methodist Church gained its first
foothold in Fiji. Most chiefs in the west regarded the Wesleyan missionaries, aligned as they were seen to be with
Ma'afu, as a threat to their power, refused conversion, and resisted missionary attempts to set up outposts in their
villages. Cakobau's claimed position was also undermined by international developments. The United States
threatened intervention following a number of incidents involving their consul, John Brown Williams. His trading store
had been looted by Fijian natives following an accidental fire, caused by stray cannon fire during a Fourth of July
celebration in 1849. In June 1871, John Bates Thurston, the British honorary consul, forged a "marriage of
convenience" between Cakobau and the settlers, and persuaded the Fijian chiefs to accept a constitutional monarchy
with Cakobau as king, but with real power in the hands of a cabinet and Legislature dominated by settlers. The
formal cession of Fiji to Britain took place on 10 October 1874, when Cakobau, Ma'afu, and the Paramount Chiefs
of Fiji signed two copies of the Deed of Cession. Ninety-six years of British rule followed. Sir Hercules Robinson,
who had arrived on 23 September 1874, was appointed as interim Governor. He was replaced in June 1875 by Sir
Arthur Gordon. Gordon decided in 1878 to import indentured labourers from India to work on the sugarcane fields
that had taken the place of the cotton plantations. The 463 Indians arrived on 14 May 1879 - the first of some
61,000 that were to come before the scheme ended in 1916. Fiji was only peripherally involved in World War I. By
the time of World War II, the United Kingdom had reversed its policy of not enlisting natives, and many thousands of
Fijians volunteered for the Royal Fiji Military Forces. After World War II, Fiji began to take its first steps towards
internal self-government. These steps towards self-rule were welcomed by the Indo-Fijian community, which by that
time had come to outnumber the native Fijian population. With numerous compromises, Fiji became independent on
October 10, 1970. Since attaining independence from the United Kingdom on 10 October 1970, Fijian history has
been marked by exponential economic growth up to 1987, followed by relative stagnation, caused to a large extent
by political instability following two military coups in 1987 and a civilian putsch in 2000. Rivalry between indigenous
Fijians and Indo-Fijians, rather than ideological differences, have been the most visible cleavage of Fijian politics. A
series of coups have ensued since independence, the most recent on 5 December 2006 which continues today.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Fiji
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Fiji is a source country for children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation
and a destination country for a small number of women from China and India trafficked for the purposes of forced
labor and commercial sexual exploitation
Tier rating: Tier 3 - Fiji does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is
not making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated no action to investigate or prosecute
traffickers, assist victims, take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support any anti-trafficking
information or education campaigns; Fiji has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)
and a destination country for a small number of women from China and India trafficked for the purposes of forced
labor and commercial sexual exploitation
Tier rating: Tier 3 - Fiji does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is
not making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated no action to investigate or prosecute
traffickers, assist victims, take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support any anti-trafficking
information or education campaigns; Fiji has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)
Laisenia Qarase
Prime Minister since 10 September 2000
Prime Minister since 10 September 2000
Commodore Frank Bainimarama
Acting Prime Minister
since 10 April 2009
Acting Prime Minister
since 10 April 2009