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Fiji indigenous rights and constitutional reform

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-31 07:56 UTC → 2026-09-23 12:26 UTC · added removed

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, which seeks Bill to align national law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. During this process, President Adi Finau Tabakaucoro of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei advocated for the bill to provide practical outcomes and facilitate the right to self-determination, stating noting that “existing laws have limited indigenous peoples’ ability to exercise it.” Following a six-month period of nationwide consultations review process involving over 1,200 submissions, 1,220 submissions and consultations at 105 venues, the Fiji Constitutional Review Commission submitted a draft report proposing major changes to the 2013 Constitution. President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The Commission recommended reinstating the Senate as proposed significant changes to the upper house 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 Parliament, returning the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, Representatives and a Senate, reinstating the Public Service Commission. These proposals aim Commission, and granting constitutional recognition to address criticisms that the current constitution is unrepresentative or anti-indigenous, while also reviewing Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs). Further proposals include the judiciary, electoral systems, 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 rights ratification of indigenous Fijian the Vuvale Union and Rotuman peoples. the Veitacini Treaty with Australia, calling for more independent scrutiny and public participation to ensure the nation understands the commitments involved.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-23 12:26 UTC Fiji indigenous rights and constitutional reform
  2. 2026-08-31 07:56 UTC Fiji indigenous rights and constitutional reform

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