Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
In Fiji, religion is closely linked to ethnicity. About 57 percent of the population consists of indigenous Fijians (iTaukei), who are mostly Christian, while Indo-Fijians, the second-largest ethnic group (37.5 percent), are mainly Hindu. There is also a significant Muslim minority. Approximately one third of Fiji’s population is Methodist.[1]
Fiji is a secular state under the 2013 constitution, which provides for the separation of state and religion (Section 4(3)) as well as freedom of religion, conscience and belief (Section 22(1)). The Constitution of Fiji prohibits discrimination based on religion and criminalises incitement of hatred, including on religious grounds (Section 17(2)(c)(i) and Section 26(3)(a)).[2]
Although Fiji is a secular state and protects freedom of religion, all religious groups must register with the government.[3]
Religious instruction is permitted in public educational institutions but is not compulsory. The government provides funding to both public and private religious schools.[4]
Fiji is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).[5]
Incidents and developments
In January 2023, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that schools operated by religious organisations would be authorised to invite chaplains and other religious representatives to provide faith-based instruction to students. This decision sparked a public debate, particularly on social media. As a result, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro responded to the controversy stating that his ministry would strictly adhere to legal guidelines, which prohibit the imposition of a particular faith on students. He further clarified that the policy primarily applies to institutions where most students identify as Christian. Additionally, he emphasised that participation in religious instruction remains voluntary, allowing students or their parents to opt out.[6] In August 2024, the Fijian government approved the proposal to reintroduce chaplains in government schools, aimed at offering spiritual guidance and counselling to students. Funding is provided by the Education Ministry.[7]
In September 2023, four senior members of the South Korean sect Grace Road Church were arrested in Fiji. Two of them were deported, while a legal injunction prevented the expulsion of the remaining two. The Grace Road Church, known for its apocalyptic beliefs, established an agricultural community in Fiji, where it has been accused of abusing its members and violating human rights. The sect members on Fiji’s deportation list have been on Interpol’s wanted list since 2018 when South Korea issued a warrant for their arrest.[8]
In March 2024, Fiji’s Finance Minister Biman Prasad spoke about the role of religious groups in the country’s development. “[R]eligious organisations,” the minister stated, “are contributing to the economy and to economic development directly.”[9]
On a visit to Ayodhya (India) in February 2024, Minister Prasad spoke about the importance for all Fijians, not only those of Indian heritage, of preserving their religious and cultural roots. He also stressed that Hinduism is linked to patriotism in Fiji. Mr Prasad cited Fiji as a place where all believers can grow spiritually and practise their religion in freedom. He said: “Almost all the schools of Fiji were started by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians who came from India, and we grew into a secular society because we understood that secularism does not mean the absence of religion but giving equal space for everyone to practise their faith.”[10]
Prospects for freedom of religion
No major violations of religious freedom were reported during the period under review. In Fiji, the government and society largely respect and uphold freedom of religion, and there is no indication that this is likely to change in the foreseeable future.
The growth of Christianity, Islam, and most prominently, Hinduism signifies that Fiji is a place where various religious expressions can flourish.
Sources
Fiji