Fiji: Restrictions on protest persist despite calls for reforms by the UN Human Rights Council

The state of civic space in Fiji is rated as ‘narrowed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. The government has taken steps to repeal a restrictive media law, reverse travel bans on critics and strengthen the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. However, the Public Order (Amendment) Act, which has been used to restrict peaceful assembly and expression, and sedition provisions in the Crimes Act, remain in place. The police have also restricted pro-Palestinian marches.

The Human Rights Council reviewed Fiji’s human rights record in January 2025 and made 209 recommendations as part of its Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The recommendations made on civic space include to safeguard the right to freedoms of expression, assembly and association and repeal restrictive legislation, including the sedition provisions in the Crimes Act, the Public Order (Amendment) Act and the Electoral Amendment Act of 2022 that can be misused to suppress criticism of the government by the media. There were also calls to guarantee freedom of the press, promote a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and conduct impartial, thorough and independent investigations into all cases of attacks, harassment and intimidation against civil society members, human rights defenders and journalists.

A critical attempt to overhaul Fiji's 2013 Constitution failed in Parliament in March 2025, as the government's amendment bill was defeated, falling short of the required 75 percent requirement or 41 votes. The key changes that the bill sought were to remove the requirement of three-quarters of MPs and three-quarters of registered voters to pass any amendment to the 2013 Constitution.

The 2013 Constitution - drafted by the military-backed regime of former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama following the 2006 military coup - contains several provisions that have raised concerns about the concentration of executive power and the protection of fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly. The constitution also references the role of the military as a key arbiter in moments of political tension, often justifying its interventions.

The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Act, passed by Parliament in December 2024, will enable the Commission to uncover the truth about past political events. In May 2025, Chairperson Marcus Brand said they were not focused on criminal prosecutions or legal proceedings but on helping bring closure and healing to survivors.

In recent months, concerns have been raised on restrictions to freedom of peaceful assembly, especially around the protest on International Human Rights Day and also ongoing restrictions on solidarity protests on Palestine. Navunikabi villagers held a protest against a hydro dam project while a union claimed that some employees of the Aspen Medical Ba Hospital were threatened by the company of being sacked if they went on strike.

Peaceful Assembly

Restrictions around protest on International Human Rights Day

Activists and protesters faced restrictions in holding a march in the capital Suva to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which began on 25th November 2024 and ended on International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2024.

The march, organised by the Fiji NGO Coalition for Human Rights (NGOCHR), aimed to highlight human rights issues both within Fiji and globally. The march was focused on raising awareness about violence against women, systemic impunity, and the ongoing struggle for decolonisation in regions like West Papua.

The Chair of the NGOCHR and Fiji Women's Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali said that the authorities imposed restrictions that significantly limited public participation. Ali revealed that the permit for the march was granted only after the intervention of Minister Lynda Tabuya. Further, authorities had initially restricted the number of participants allowed to march, prompting her to raise concerns with the Minister.

The restrictions extended to those carrying banners, with some participants being singled out for wearing political shirts in support of the people in Palestine, Kanaky (New Caledonia), and West Papua.

Shamima Ali said: “We are also concerned that there continue to be government restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly through the arbitrary application of the Public Order Amendment Act, which should have been changed by now - two years into the new government that we all looked forward to.”

The Public Order (Amendment) Act 2014 allows the government to refuse permits for any public meeting or march deemed to prejudice the maintenance of peace or good order. It has often been misused by the authorities to restrict or block peaceful gatherings and demonstrations, restricting the right to peaceful assembly and association.

Restrictions on protest in solidarity with Palestine

Activists in Fiji have been holding vigils in solidarity with Palestine as part of their ongoing "Thursdays in Black" gathering at the office of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre (FWCC), calling on the Fiji government and Pacific leaders to support the ceasefire in Gaza and accountability for the serious crimes committed in Gaza, including allegations of genocide.

As previously documented, the activists have had to hold their gatherings in the premises of the FWCC office as the police have restricted solidarity marches for Palestine since November 2023, under the Public Order (Amendment) Act 2014. Despite the restrictions, the protests have persisted in 2025.

Navunikabi villagers protest hydro dam project

In March 2025, villagers of Navunikabi, in the highlands of Namosi, gathered outside the Office of the Prime Minister to protest against the proposed Wainikoroiluva Hydro Dam project.

About 100 villagers presented a letter to the Government and Electricity Fiji Limited (EFL), demanding they halt the construction of the dam. The letter highlights the villagers’ concern about the project’s potential impact on their culture, environment, and daily lives. Village chairman Sipirano Nariva expressed the community’s frustration over their attempts to engage with EFL.

Nariva claimed their efforts to raise their concerns had been met with dismissive responses, with officials redirecting them to lower-level representatives instead of engaging directly with the senior stakeholders responsible for the project.

The Wainikoroiluva River, which flows near the village, is an important resource for the people of Navunikabi. Any disruption to the river could have dire consequences for villagers‘ livelihoods. Villagers fear that the construction of the dam could lead to increased flooding, environmental damage, and the loss of a key resource.

Association

Company threatens workers for planned strike

In January 2025, the Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) claimed that some employees of the Aspen Medical Ba Hospital have been threatened by the company of being sacked if they go on strike.

CETWUF national secretary John Paul said the reason for the strike notice is a prolonged dispute over public holiday and overtime pay. The 200 workers include ward assistants, chefs, technicians, and ambulance drivers. Paul criticised Aspen Medical for allegedly failing to engage in meaningful negotiations, claiming the company has avoided discussions despite saying otherwise. He also claimed that government inaction has hindered solutions beneficial to all parties involved.

CETWUF national secretary John Paul said: “Aspen Medical should not threaten their workers who’re exercising their rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Fiji. Instead, it should enter into negotiations with the union and resolve all issues in the log of claims through an agreement.”

In February 2025, it was reported that Aspen Medical has agreed to 13 issues on the union’s list. However, six other items remain in dispute and further mediations will be held in Suva to settle them.