Alarming levels of overcrowding at Fiji’s correctional centres have prompted renewed calls for systemic reform and greater collaboration across justice sector agencies.
Data presented at a high-level meeting this week revealed that the Suva Remand Centre (RC), with an approved capacity of 200 inmates, is currently housing an average of 283 prisoners daily.
In Lautoka RC, 193 inmates are being held despite a capacity of 175, while the situation in Labasa Correctional Centre (CC) is even more dire, with 73 inmates in a facility designed for just 12.
Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi, raised concerns about the flow of information related to court-committed prisoners, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“There should be clarity in the information provided for all prisoners sent by courts, including their medical records,” he said.
“This is especially important given the range of illnesses prisoners come in with—such as HIV, tuberculosis, and other chronic diseases.”
Permanent Secretary for Justice, Ms Selina Kuruleca, acknowledged the complexity of the challenges faced by the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and applauded the dedication of frontline staff.
“I commend the efforts and dedication of the staff towards the treatment and care of the prisoners,” she said.
“Some of the challenges exposed are beyond the reach of FCS alone. It requires a cross-sector approach to tackle these issues effectively.”
The meeting produced several key recommendations, including the need for improved correctional infrastructure, better information sharing between institutions, the adoption of alternative sentencing options, and a clearer interface between FCS, the Judiciary, and the Police.
