The Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill 2025 has been approved by Parliament, marking an important step towards strengthening the recognition, protection and promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights in Fiji.
Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu, during the Bill’s Third Reading, highlighted its importance in protecting indigenous identity, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and customary practices.
The Bill provides for a National Action Plan aimed at:
✅ Addressing discrimination and promoting indigenous peoples’ rights.
✅ Protecting cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and customary practices.
✅ Supporting fair participation in benefits from natural resources.
✅ Reviewing existing laws affecting indigenous interests.
✅ Strengthening accountability through reporting to Parliament.
Minister Vasu emphasised that the National Action Plan would be developed through meaningful consultations involving the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, iTaukei Affairs Board, indigenous communities and other stakeholders, including women, young people and persons with disabilities.
“Consultation must be meaningful, not just a formality,” the Minister said.
Minister Vasu stressed that the legislation’s success would ultimately depend on practical implementation and improvements in the lives of indigenous communities.
“The success of this law will not be measured only by its passage. It will be measured by the quality of the Action Plan, how widely and honestly people are consulted, and whether indigenous people see a real difference in their lives,” he said.