Indigenous Rights Bill must deliver outcomes, says iTaukei group

Fiji's proposed Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill is designed to yield tangible results for iTaukei communities, moving beyond a mere formalization of the nation's commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The bill is currently under review by Parliament's Standing Committee, which is gathering submissions on its framework. The legislation aims to recognize and promote the cultural, social, economic, and political rights of indigenous people.

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I am hoping that with this legislation it will strengthen Fiji’s position on UNDRIP and perhaps facilitate some indigenous organizations to access whatever systems or resources may be available through UNDRIP.

Adi Finau Tabakaucoro, president of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei, expressed hope that the bill will bolster Fiji's standing under UNDRIP. "I am hoping that with this legislation it will strengthen Fiji’s position on UNDRIP and perhaps facilitate some indigenous organizations to access whatever systems or resources may be available through UNDRIP," she stated.

Tabakaucoro emphasized the critical need for greater consideration of the right to self-determination. She argued that existing laws have historically curtailed the ability of indigenous peoples in Fiji to exercise this right. "One of the most important things in UNDRIP is the right to self-determination of indigenous people, and right now indigenous people in Fiji don’t have too much of that because the laws that have been passed over the years take away that capacity from the indigenous people," she explained.

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One of the most important things in UNDRIP is the right to self-determination of indigenous people, and right now indigenous people in Fiji don’t have too much of that because the laws that have been passed over the years take away that capacity from the indigenous people.