Fiji’s Sex Offenders Register, which will restrict convicted sexual offenders from working in jobs involving children, is awaiting final legal vetting before it can become operational.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran told Parliament last week regulations to operationalise the register have been developed and are now undergoing final legal checks.
The register was established under the Registration of Sex Offenders Act 2021 but has yet to be operationalised.
“We have developed regulations and are awaiting final legal vetting to operationalise this register,” Ms Kiran said.
The database will record information about people convicted of specified sexual offences, allowing authorities to monitor offenders and strengthen public safety.
Ms Kiran said individuals listed on the register would be restricted from child-related employment, particularly jobs involving regular contact with children.
She also confirmed that the Department of Children had completed regulations for the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and the Child Justice Act 2024.
“The Department of Children has completed the regulations for the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and the Child Justice Act 2024, which are currently at the final stage of the legal vetting.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Children is continuing the nationwide rollout of the National Child Safeguarding Policy, launched in October 2025.
The policy places responsibility on both public and private sector organisations, including institutions and sporting bodies, to ensure children are protected from abuse and harm.
Ms Kiran said the policy focused on strengthening safeguarding practices, accountability and prevention measures in environments where children live, learn and participate.
Practical measures include continuous safeguarding training for personnel, faster handling of safeguarding complaints and increased public awareness programmes.
She said several organisations, including sporting bodies, had already begun implementing the safeguarding measures.
The Government says the legal reforms and safeguarding initiatives are aimed at strengthening child protection systems and preventing harm to children across Fiji.
