Overview of Human Rights in Fiji

Fiji is a constitutional republic. Following an attempted coup in 2000, the lawfully elected government was removed. With the holding of elections subsequently, the political situation improved somewhat in the region. However, deep divisions between the indigenous Fijians, the favored group, and the Indo-Fijians, continued to affect all aspects of Fiji's policies and politics.  The situation sparked a bloodless military-led coup in 2006, in which the government was ousted from office. 

Despite the tensions between the two main ethnic groups, the government  tries to respect the human and civil rights of all its citizens. However, there are still a few problems worth noting.

Discrimination against persons with disabilities, as well as ethnic and religious minorities, occurs throughout all aspects of society. Religious facilities, especially Hindu temples, are sometimes vandalized. Employers often do not hire those with physical handicaps. Almost all of the chief executive posts in the public service positions are filled by indigenous, not Indo, Fijians.

Poor prison conditions and serious overcrowding are also human rights concerns in Fiji. However, the government refuses to improve the situation, citing financial constraints as the reason.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

90th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.