Ministry of Justice

10/06/2026

𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧

Since the passage of the Criminal Records Act 2026 in Parliament last month, there has been significant public interest and discussion surrounding this landmark piece of legislation. To help raise awareness and provide clarity on the Act, Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Hon. Siromi Turaga and Assistant Minister for Justice Hon. Ratu Josaia Niudamu have participated in a series of media engagements across radio and television platforms.

The Ministers recently appeared on Fiji Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio Fiji One and Radio Fiji Two Government Talkback Show, as well as FBC TV’s Your Voice programme, where they discussed the purpose and significance of the Criminal Records Act 2026. They also featured on Fiji TV’s Na Katalau programme to address questions from the public and explain how the Act will benefit rehabilitated individuals seeking a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

The Criminal Records Act 2026 is a major step forward for restorative justice in Fiji. It provides pathways for certain rehabilitated individuals with minor criminal records to have convictions spent after prescribed rehabilitation periods, while maintaining safeguards to ensure that serious offences such as murder, sexual offences, robbery and other serious violent crimes remain excluded. The Act also provides for the expungement of historical convictions that are now recognised as unjust and discriminatory, while improving the management and disclosure of criminal records in the public interest.

The Ministry of Justice extends its sincere appreciation to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and Fiji TV for providing valuable platforms to educate the public on this important legislation. Through continued public awareness and engagement, the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all Fijians understand the intent of the Criminal Records Act 2026 and the opportunities it creates for safer communities, rehabilitation, reintegration and second chances.

07/06/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

In line with its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential government services, the Ministry of Justice successfully conducted its Saturday Outreach on 6 June 2026, bringing key services closer to communities across Fiji, by being in most markets across the nations.

The initiative recognizes that many members of the public are unable to visit Ministry offices during normal working hours due to work commitments, family responsibilities, and other personal obligations. Through the Saturday Outreach and Awareness the Ministry extended its service delivery beyond traditional office hours, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for the people it serves.

Major towns and cities around Fiji were catered for during the programme, with officers from the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry and the Registrar of Companies providing a range of services directly to members of the public in the markets vicinity from Suva, Laqere, Taveuni, Lautoka and many other stations from 8am to 3pm.

Minister for Justice, Hon. Siromi Turaga, and Permanent Secretary for Justice, Ms. Selina Kuruleca, visited several service locations during the programme to observe service delivery and engage with both staff and members of the public.

During their visits, the Minister and Permanent Secretary acknowledged and commended the Ministry officers who answered the call to serve and dedicated their Saturday to assisting members of the public. They recognized the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by staff in ensuring that government services remain accessible to all Fijians.

The Saturday Awareness Programme reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to place citizens at the centre of service delivery and ensure that no one is left behind.

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐑𝐕𝐒 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

The Ministry of Justice hosted a national workshop on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, bringing together key government stakeholders to discuss the future of Fiji’s vital registration systems and identify opportunities for improvement.

The Permanent Secretary Ms Selina Kuruleca in opening the workshop acknowledged “SPC, ADB and all our in facilitating funding and technical support to enable the redesign and build of a robust CRVS systems record.”

CRVS records important life events such as births, deaths, marriages and divorces. These records provide individuals with legal identity while supplying government with reliable data for planning and delivering essential services, including healthcare, education and social protection.

The workshop focused on reviewing Fiji’s current Births, Deaths and Marriages registration platform, strengthening data-sharing arrangements between agencies, improving governance and security of vital records, and exploring options for modernising and digitising registration systems.

Participants also discussed international best practices, interoperability between government systems, and the capacity needed to support a more efficient and integrated CRVS framework.

The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the contributions of all participating agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Fiji’s CRVS system to improve service delivery, support evidence-based policymaking, and ensure that every Fijian has access to secure and reliable civil registration services.

01/06/2026

𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈’𝐒 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒

The Ministry of Justice today welcomed the Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, His Excellency Hiroshi Tajima, who paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry to reaffirm Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Fiji’s justice sector development.

Accompanying the Ambassador was the Head of Protocol for the Embassy of Japan to Fiji, Ms. Kotani.

The Japanese delegation was welcomed by the Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Hon. Siromi Turaga, and the Permanent Secretary for Justice and Acting Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection, Ms. Selina Kuruleca.

Also present at the meeting were Mr Luke Daunivalu the MOJ Law and Justice Reform Specialist, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Mr. Apolosi Veve, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Public Trustees Pte Ltd, Mr. Ajay Singh, Official Receiver, Mr. Sanaila Nukutaumaki, and Deputy Registrar General, Mr. Viliame Kubunameca.

Discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between Fiji and Japan in the justice sector, including progress under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the two countries’ Ministries of Justice in Japan last year. The meeting also highlighted Fiji’s participation in the Strategic Dialogue and Joint Study initiatives, as well as Japan’s ongoing support for capacity development and institutional strengthening.

Hon. Turaga and Ms. Kuruleca shared updates on the Law and Justice Sector Reform Roadmap and acknowledged the valuable support provided by the Government of Japan over the past two years in advancing justice sector reforms and enhancing service delivery.

The Ministry of Justice expresses its appreciation to the Government of Japan for its continued partnership and looks forward to further collaboration in promoting a modern, accessible and effective justice system for all Fijians.

28/05/2026

Today, the Ministry of Justice pays tribute to Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna, a visionary leader whose wisdom, service and dedication laid the foundation for modern Fiji.

Ratu Sukuna’s contributions to governance, native land administration, education and national unity continue to shape our nation today. Through his leadership, he safeguarded the interests of the iTaukei people while promoting progress, stability and a shared future for all Fijians.

As we honour his legacy, we are reminded of the values he stood for — service, integrity, sacrifice and nation-building. His life remains an enduring inspiration for generations to come.

The staff of the Ministry for Justice wishes all families and friends in Fiji and abroad a reflective Ratu Sukuna Day Celebration.

28/05/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Parliament of Fiji passed the Criminal Records Bill 2025 on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s justice reform agenda and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to rehabilitation, reconciliation and second chances.

Speaking during the debate on the Bill, the Minister for Justice, Hon. Siromi Turaga, described the legislation as “a reform grounded in humanity, dignity and hope,” emphasising that the justice system must not only punish wrongdoing but also create meaningful pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration.

“At the heart of this Bill is a simple but powerful belief: that people can change, that lives can be rebuilt, and that justice must leave room for mercy, dignity and hope,” Minister Turaga emphasized to Parliament.

The Bill establishes a legal framework for spent, expunged and expiated criminal records, while balancing public safety considerations and the rights of rehabilitated individuals. It is intended to benefit persons convicted of minor offences who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation and reform after a prescribed period of time.

The legislation does not apply to persons convicted of serious offences such as murder, serious sexual offences, armed robbery and other similarly grave crimes.

Hon. Turaga acknowledged that many Fijians continue to face long-term hardship due to the enduring impact of criminal records, often struggling to secure employment, rebuild family life and fully participate in their communities despite having paid their debt to society.

“There are fathers and mothers seeking work to provide for their families, young people striving for a second chance, and individuals who simply want the opportunity to stand again with dignity in their communities, their mataqali and their Vanua,” he said.

The Minister stressed that the legislation does not remove accountability for offending, nor diminish the suffering experienced by victims, instead, it recognises that rehabilitation must carry genuine meaning within society.

“This Bill does not erase accountability. It does not excuse serious offending. What it does is recognise that rehabilitation must mean something real. If we ask people to change, then when they do change, society must be prepared to recognise that transformation,” he stated.

The legislation also provides mechanisms to address the historical impact of laws that unfairly criminalised individuals based on identity rather than conduct, reflecting Parliament’s commitment to equality, fairness and human dignity under the law.

Hon. Turaga described the passage of the Bill as an important and historic reform for the people of Fiji, one that restores hope to rehabilitated individuals while strengthening faith in a justice system that values both accountability and compassion.