Fiji Police Act Review must define limits on force, says United Nations

The United Nations (UN) has called for strict and clear rules on how and when Police in Fiji can use force, warning that misuse of power can damage public trust and violate human rights.

The call comes as Fiji completes a long-overdue review of the Police Act 1965, a law passed nearly 60 years ago under very different political, social and constitutional conditions.

Speaking at the final validation workshop on the Police Act review, UN Human Rights Pacific Representative Heike Alefsen said the use of force must be tightly controlled by law and guided by international human rights standards.

“Force may only be used when it is strictly necessary, must be proportionate, lawful and accountable, and may only be used as a last resort to protect life.”

Ms Alefsen said Fiji has seen increased public discussion in recent years about policing, including concerns over excessive or disproportionate use of force, treatment of people in custody, policing of protests and accountability when things go wrong.

“These discussions should not be seen as attacks on the police,” she said.

“They show that people care deeply about their safety, their rights and their dignity.” She said the Police Act is the foundation of policing power and directly shapes how officers interact with the public.

“How authority is granted, how force is used and how accountability is ensured will determine whether trust between the police and the people is built or eroded,” she said.

She stressed that a modern Police Act must clearly define legal limits on the use of force and firearms, require de-escalation as a first response, and ensure proper training, reporting and independent oversight.

“Human rights are not about weakening the Police,” Ms Alefsen said.

“Clear rules protect officers as much as they protect the public.”

Acting Police Commissioner, Aporosa Lutunauga said the review of the Police Act comes at a critical time for the Fiji Police Force as it works to rebuild public trust and confidence.

However, the UN has praised Fiji for taking an open and inclusive approach to the review, saying the new law could set a strong example for rights-based policing in the Pacific.