Bill focuses on rehabilitation

Fiji's government is moving forward with the Criminal Records Bill 2026, legislation designed to provide rehabilitated offenders with a second chance at reintegration into society. Assistant Minister for Justice Ratu Josaia Niudamu emphasized that the bill is not about removing accountability but about creating opportunities for individuals who have genuinely turned their lives around.

Niudamu explained that the Ministry of Justice conducted extensive nationwide consultations and parliamentary reviews to address concerns about potential lifelong barriers for those who have served their sentences. The core objective, he stated, is restorative justice and rehabilitation. Consultations across Fiji's 14 provinces informed communities that the proposed law aims to help offenders demonstrating positive change rejoin society, acknowledging that many have transformed their lives and earned community trust.

He noted that while communities supported second chances for minor offenses, they also wished for serious crimes to remain on criminal records. "So that is one of the good things about democracy. We go out, and as the coalition government stands for, we hear the views of the people, and that is one thing we have reflected in our new act," Niudamu said.

Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga added that the bill strikes a balance between rehabilitation and public safety. He stated the legislation aligns with international practices that recognize the importance of second chances while maintaining safeguards for more serious offenses.

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So that is one of the good things about democracy. We go out, and as the coalition government stands for, we hear the views of the people, and that is one thing we have reflected in our new act.