Fiji is grappling with increasing racial discrimination and inequality, prompting fears over the future of the nation’s social fabric.
It is reported that in the last few years, around 100,000 people, primarily Indo-Fijians, have left the country, raising alarms about the state of inclusion in the Pacific nation.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Dialogue Fiji’s Executive Director, Nilesh Lal, shared this information and expressed his concerns about the deep sense of discontent driving this migration trend. Lal questioned whether Fiji can truly be considered a place where all its citizens feel valued and included.
Lal pointed out that Fiji ratified the convention in 1973, just three years after gaining independence, pledging its commitment to the principles of equality and dignity. However, he noted that the country’s journey has been marked by both progress and setbacks, with notable efforts towards inclusivity, but also instances of violence and restrictions faced by minorities.
The emigration of skilled and capable individuals has made the situation even more alarming, as Lal believes these departures represent a significant loss to the country. “The greatest resource any country has is not its land or natural wealth but its human resource,” he said.
Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Commissioner Alefina Vuki acknowledged the country’s progress in upholding equality but highlighted that issues such as exclusion, stereotyping, and institutional bias still persist. She pointed out that new forms of discrimination continue to emerge, posing additional challenges to achieving a truly inclusive society.
As per reports, Vuki stressed that combating racial discrimination requires more than legal frameworks. It demands education, awareness, advocacy, and strong leadership. She called on Fijians to renew their commitment to building an inclusive society, as Dialogue Fiji and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission continue their efforts to tackle these concerns through events like the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
In a significant step towards healing historical racial divisions, Fiji’s political and religious leaders signed the ‘Forward Fiji Declaration’ in 2023, aiming to foster unity between the country’s two largest ethnic groups—the indigenous iTaukei and Indo-Fijians. The declaration seeks to move beyond the racial tensions and political upheavals caused by the coups of 1987 and 2000, which disproportionately targeted the Indo-Fijian community.
The 2023 event was marked by a series of emotional apologies, including a confession from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who led the 1987 coup, and an apology from the Methodist Church, which had supported the coups. Both Rabuka and church leaders expressed deep regret for the harm caused, particularly to the Indo-Fijian community. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, on behalf of the Girmitiya descendants, accepted the apology, acknowledging the pain of the past while calling for further reconciliation. He also pointed out the ongoing poverty in the iTaukei community, suggesting the need for broader national apologies.
The declaration and apologies are seen as a crucial moment in Fiji’s path toward inclusivity, with leaders urging all Fijians to work together, celebrate diversity, and build a more unified future.
Update: Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad clarifies emigration trends – In response to discussions surrounding the emigration of Indo-Fijians, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Biman Prasad, clarified that the data he presented in Parliament from 2016 to 2022 highlights that emigration did not cease under former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s leadership but actually accelerated. Prof. Prasad stressed that while countries like Australia and New Zealand have a significant demand for labour, this does not imply that the emigration is driven solely by negative push factors from Fiji. He urged the importance of using accurate data when discussing these trends, cautioning against exaggerating the reasons behind the emigration patterns, as this could mislead the public debate.
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