Government has outlined a range of initiatives aimed at reducing the disproportionate representation of iTaukei people in Fiji’s correctional system.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu said the issue was complex and linked to social, educational, economic, family and community factors.
He said the Government’s response focused on prevention through stronger communities, education, employment and economic opportunities.
He highlighted the restoration of traditional leadership structures, community crime prevention initiatives and vocational training through the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development at Nadave.
He also pointed to scholarships, economic development funds and finance programs designed to improve employment and income opportunities for iTaukei communities.
Mr Vasu said urban units within the iTaukei Affairs Board were also working with iTaukei families living in urban and informal settlements by providing community profiling, training and links to Government services.
For people already in the corrections system, Mr Vasu cited the Bua Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-offenders Network, which brings together the vanua, families, churches, community leaders and corrections authorities to support reconciliation and reintegration.
He stressed that reducing incarceration would require a whole-of-government and whole-of-community effort, particularly focused on young people.
