Fiji faces challengers balancing equality and indigenous rights  

While Fiji has taken major steps in protecting indigenous rights through ILO Convention 169, the government admits that challenges remain in balancing equality and cultural preservation. 

Speaking during the three days' workshop yesterday in Suva, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh stating that while Fiji is proud to have ratified nine out of ten fundamental ILO conventions, the implementation of Convention 169 has faced difficulties. These include land disputes, constitutional gaps, and ensuring genuine consultation with indigenous communities. 

“One of the biggest challenges is balancing indigenous rights with the principle of equal citizenry,” Mr Singh said. “Reforms in the past have sometimes created tensions, especially around land ownership and leases.” 

The Minister also noted that poverty and socio-economic disparities remain higher among indigenous communities, particularly in rural areas, making their participation in national development more difficult. 

Other issues highlighted include the need to protect indigenous women’s rights, prevent political tensions between ethnic groups, and address the impacts of migration and natural disasters, which often hit indigenous communities the hardest. 

Despite these hurdles, Mr Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding international obligations. He pointed to the restoration of the Great Council of Chiefs and renewed support for traditional institutions as part of strengthening indigenous identity and leadership. 

“As we prepare Fiji’s report to the ILO in 2025, we are committed to showing how we have consulted our indigenous communities, protected land rights, and ensured participation in decision-making,” Singh said. 

He said the workshop is an opportunity for government, civil society, and indigenous leaders to work together on solutions that promote both equality and cultural preservation. 

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