The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights is urging major reforms to the laws governing burial grounds in Fiji, following its review of the Burial and Cremation (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Committee said the review highlighted “long-standing gaps in regulation, record-keeping and cultural protection” relating to village and public burial grounds across the country.
The Committee found that the current Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Act does not adequately cover the regulation or oversight of village burial grounds, including their boundaries, settings, and documentation.
The Committee has recommended that the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs undertake a comprehensive review of its governing Act to incorporate clear provisions for the management of village burial grounds.
In addition, the Committee is calling for a full national audit of burial ground boundaries and settings.
The Committee also highlighted that a significant number of burial grounds across Fiji remain unregistered, creating gaps in oversight and public awareness.
The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Health take proactive steps to raise awareness and ensure that all burial grounds are formally registered under the relevant regulations.
