Fiji indigenous rights and constitutional reform

Fiji is undergoing legislative and constitutional reviews focused on indigenous rights and governance structures. Initially, Parliament’s Standing Committee began reviewing the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill to align national law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. President Adi Finau Tabakaucoro of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei advocated for the bill to facilitate self-determination, noting that “existing laws have limited indigenous peoples’ ability to exercise it.”

Following a six-month review process involving 1,220 submissions and consultations at 105 venues, the Fiji Constitutional Review Commission submitted a draft report to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The Commission proposed significant changes to the 2013 Constitution to address criticisms that it is unrepresentative or anti-indigenous. Key recommendations include establishing a bicameral legislature with a 60-member system comprising a House of Representatives and a Senate, reinstating the Public Service Commission, and granting constitutional recognition to the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs).

Further proposals include the repeal of coup immunity provisions, shifting the military’s focus toward external defense, and implementing stricter rules for motions of no confidence. The draft also includes provisions that could prevent Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka from serving a third term by restricting individuals who have already served two terms as Prime Minister.

In a separate development, chief Ratu Tevita Mara has urged Parliament to delay the ratification of the Vuvale Union and the Veitacini Treaty with Australia, calling for more independent scrutiny and public participation to ensure the nation understands the commitments involved.