FCOSS calls for people-centred reform of State Lands Act

The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is calling for major reforms to the State Lands Act.

The council is urging the Government to shift from a commercial focus to a more people-centred and climate-conscious approach.

In its submission to the Government’s review of the Act, FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga said land administration policies must prioritise social justice, tenure security, and human rights.

“As a charitable trust working for nearly 70 years with vulnerable communities, we believe land policies must be culturally appropriate, socially responsive, and aligned with the realities of climate change,” Ms Catanasiga said.

She highlighted that secure land tenure is directly linked to access to essential social services, particularly for families living in informal settlements on State land.

FCOSS is recommending a mechanism within the Act to fast-track the regularisation of long-term residents in informal settlements, including affordable long-term leases.

“Secured tenure is a prerequisite for accessing utilities, housing finance, and other formal services. Regularisation is a social justice imperative,” Ms Catanasiga said.

The organisation is also proposing that a portion of State land be reserved for public and social infrastructure such as schools, health centres, community halls, and evacuation centres.

On climate relocation, FCOSS has called for the establishment of a dedicated climate relocation land bank to ensure safe and suitable land is available for communities displaced by climate change.

Ms Catanasiga said relocated communities must be guaranteed permanent and secure tenure at new sites, free of charge.

“There must be certainty for communities rebuilding their lives. The land tenure system should reflect traditional landholding structures and protect social cohesion,” she said.

FCOSS is urging the Government to align the revised Act with Fiji’s Planned Relocation Guidelines to ensure relocation processes are legally sound and rights-based.

The submission also calls for formal recognition of traditional iTaukei land practices within the Act, including protection of cultural, spiritual, and ecological sites on State land.

Ms Catanasiga said the definition of “public purpose” should be broadened to include cultural and ecological values, not just commercial interests.

She also supported greater indigenous oversight in the management of unused State land, saying it would address historical grievances and strengthen stewardship of resources.

“The State Lands Act must move beyond being a purely administrative and revenue-driven instrument. It should recognise vanua as cultural and spiritual heritage and support proactive, community-led climate resilience,” she said.

The review of the State Lands Act forms part of the Government’s wider efforts to modernise land governance in Fiji.