Fiji has been recognised by the Commonwealth for its efforts in rehabilitating inmates through the Yellow Ribbon campaign.
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga said Fiji received the Commonwealth Access to Justice Innovation Award for the successful campaign rehabilitate and reintegrate former inmates back into the community.
“This is a proud moment for Fiji,” he said.
“I want to thank the past and present members of the Fiji Corrections Services and the previous government for their work.”
He said it was important to highlight the voices of former inmates who could make an impact on their community following their experience behind prison walls.
“It is always important for us to consider the voice of those inmates. Sometimes there is a tendency for us to put them aside.
“That to me is very powerful and it is the way forward.”
The campaign was launched in October, 2008 by Desmond Chin of the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise.
A Yellow Ribbon walk is held annually to mark the event.
