Fiji’s ethnic harmony masks deeper tensions that could resurface under pressure, a new national survey warns.
Despite strong day-to-day relations, Fiji’s latest Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index (SCORE) shows underlying divisions remain.
“Everyday interactions appear smooth, yet deeper disputes affect relationships,” it said.
Trust levels between communities are high with 84 per cent of iTaukei trusting Indo-Fijians and 93 per cent of Indo-Fijians trusting iTaukei but this coexists with persistent negative perceptions.
Nearly half of respondents on both sides hold polarising views, including beliefs about cultural disrespect and political dominance.
The study warns that while coexistence is stable, grievances can be “activated” by stressors like inequality, insecurity and governance concerns.
The findings were presented at the National Social Cohesion Stakeholder Conference, led by the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development (SeeD), which developed SCORE with UNDP support.
SCORE measures trust, intergroup relations and democratic values, providing data to guide policy.
The results directly feed into Fiji’s National Security Strategy (2025–2029), which identifies social cohesion as critical to stability.
The report stresses that cohesion is not automatic.
“Social cohesion in Fiji is not fragile by default, but it remains politically vulnerable to grievance activation.”
Officials say addressing these risks require long-term reforms that tackle structural inequalities and build trust across communities.
iTaukei youth central to stability
YOUNG iTaukei face rising exposure to violence, stress and insecurity, making them central to Fiji’s future
stability.
The SCORE survey flags youth, particularly young iTaukei, as a priority group for intervention.
“Young iTaukei: a priority group for preventive peacebuilding.”
Younger respondents reported higher exposure to violence, including fights, aggression, and weapons
circulation. They also face mental health pressures, with 15 per cent reporting anxiety symptoms and others experiencing trauma linked to past incidents.
The study warns this group is more receptive to polarising narratives and has lower interethnic political trust.
This creates a risk that future divisions may concentrate among younger generations.
At the same time, the report highlights an opportunity: targeted investment in youth could strengthen long-term cohesion.
The findings align with Fiji’s National Security Strategy, which identifies social fragmentation as a key threat.
The report recommends prioritising youth employment, inclusion and mental wellbeing.
It adds that building resilience requires more than dialogue, focusing on practical interventions that reduce
exposure to risk.
Without targeted action, the report warns, generational divides could deepen and undermine national unity.
Report: Reducing ethnic grievances not enough
REDUCING ethnic grievances will not automatically create lasting reconciliation in Fiji, according to a major
new international study.
The SeeD Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index (SCORE) found that support for divisive ethnic narratives is mainly driven by fears over land, jobs, corruption, and insecurity.
On the other hand, openness to political reconciliation comes from a shared sense of national identity, strong family ties, and everyday social tolerance.
“Polarisation appears to be driven by problem perception, while reconciliation is driven by identity and relational capacity,” the report states.
The study, which surveyed 1339 people, shows that polarisation and reconciliation are two partly
independent processes.
This means that simply reducing divisive talk does not automatically increase people’s willingness to reconcile across ethnic lines.
SeeD recommends a two-track approach: one to address real grievances and reduce triggers of division, and another to build stronger social bonds through inclusive national identity and more community interaction.
The analysis concludes that Fiji’s social environment is more stable and robust than often claimed in political debates, but it remains vulnerable if grievances are stirred up.
SeeD’s mission is to identify the underlying causes of social tensions, conflict, and weaknesses in democracy.
The findings are used to develop practical, evidencebased policies and programs that deliver real solutions.
Fiji’s national security strategy identifies social cohesion as a priority area and is a contributing factor to national stability.
