Fiji remains a partly free country despite the improvement in political and civil rights in 2023, states Washington-based Freedom House.
Fiji scored averagely in selected areas when it came to political participation, association rights and rule of law.
“Corruption remains a serious problem, and existing safeguards are limited in their effectiveness,” said the NGO which is best known for political advocacy surrounding issues such as democracy, political freedom, and human rights.
“The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has had limited success combatting institutional corruption and has been used to pursue politically motivated cases against opposition politicians.”
It said the PA (Peoples Alliance) made a campaign pledge to abolish FICAC, but the commission is enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, and so the incoming government has sought to reform the institution rather than abolishing it.
“Corruption is a major problem in the police force. Due to resource shortages, lengthy pretrial detentions are common. The law allows suspects to be arrested without a warrant for violating the Crimes Decree,” the organisation said.
On freedom of assembly, Freedom House states the constitution gives the government wide latitude to prohibit protests, including on the basis of public safety and morality.
Freedom House says crime is a major problem, exacerbated by a significant methamphetamine trade.
“Prisons are often overcrowded, lack sanitation, and provide inadequate health services. Fiji refuses entry into the country for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture.”
