A national review of Fiji’s law and justice sector has revealed that 87 per cent of Fijians cannot access formal legal redress because of cost, complexity, and outdated laws.
Presenting the Functional Status of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector Report to Parliament, Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the findings “lay bare the systemic challenges that have long hindered the efficiency and accessibility of justice in Fiji”.
The report identified major issues including “structural fragmentation and unclear mandates, judicial inefficiencies, infrastructure deficiencies, human resource constraints and limited community engagement.”
Mr Turaga said some laws dated back to 1879 and many institutions were still operating “in silos without adequate coordination”.
“This is something that the honourable Prime Minister emphasised – the silos syndrome that had persisted before we came in,” he said.
Despite these problems, he said the report also told “a story of resilience”, noting the continued dedication and integrity of those in the justice sector.
The Cabinet-endorsed roadmap, he said, now turns these findings into “clear actionable priorities” built around seven reform pillars.
“The roadmap is not just a policy document.
“It is a living commitment to make justice human again – to ensure that when a Fijian walks into a courtroom, registry, or police station, they feel respected, protected and heard.”
Judicial sector launches roadmap
FIJI has launched its first ever Law and Justice Sector Reform Roadmap 2025–2029, setting out seven key pillars to transform the country’s justice system into a modern, efficient, and people centred framework.
Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga told Parliament the roadmap marked “a historical milestone for our nation” and followed the release of the Final Report on the Functional Status of Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector.
He said both documents were launched at the inaugural Justice Summit in Nadi, attended by representatives from the Judiciary, law enforcement and civil society.
International partners such as DFAT, UNDP, UNICEF, SPC and the European Union also took part.
“The summit marked not only the launch of two major national documents; the Final Report and the Roadmap, but also a renewed commitment to rebuild public trust and strengthen collaboration across all arms of justice,” he said.
The roadmap focuses on justice system efficiency, anti-corruption, digital modernisation, access to justice, legislative reform, and community engagement.
Mr Turaga said the findings were “sobering and hopeful,” revealing that a high number of Fijians cannot access formal legal redress due to cost and complexity.
“True reform takes time, perseverance and partnership,” he said.
“But above all, it requires faith – faith in our institutions, in each other, and in the Fijian spirit of resilience and unity.”
Koya calls for judicial independence
OPPOSITION MP Faiyaz Koya has urged the Government to ensure judicial independence and parliamentary inclusion in implementing Fiji’s Law and Justice Sector Reform Roadmap.
Responding to Acting Attorney- General Siromi Turaga’s ministerial statement, Mr Koya said independence must remain “at the very core” of any justice reform.
“At every junction, and at every word when this is looked at – one word that should and must always spring up, and that is independence,” he said.
Mr Koya criticised the Ministry of Justice for not inviting the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights to the inaugural Justice Summit in Nadi, despite its key legislative role.
“You did not even invite the committee.
“It is a very sad day when you have a list of so many luminaries who came to that particular conference, but you did not invite us.”
He said the committee, which works on “a bipartisan basis,” could have contributed significantly.
“My advice to you, honourable Acting Attorney-General – it is not too late to seek an audience and come down and sit with the actual committee.”
Mr Koya said while reform was welcome, “independence should be at the forefront of anyone’s mind”, and transparency was vital to rebuild public trust.
