Dialogue and Conflict Prevention in Fiji
On 5 December 2006, Fiji's military chief, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, deposed the government and promised a ‘clean up campaign’ to tackle corruption and endemic racism in Fiji’s political institutions. This was Fiji’s fourth coup since 1987.
Conciliation Resources’ involvement in Fiji dates back to 1995, working closely with the newly formed Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF). This dynamic national group is dedicated to preventing violent conflict and promoting constitutional reform, human rights and multiculturalism.
In 2009 Conciliation Resources expanded its work in Fiji commencing new partnerships with the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP) and a new consortium initiative called Dialogue Fiji. Conciliation Resources works with these partners providing advice and support as they work to promote and facilitate dialogue to improve relations between divided communities and help return Fiji to the path of constitutional democracy.
Moving towards constitutional democracy
Since the 2006 coup Fiji has been suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum and the Councils of the Commonwealth of Nations, it has also lost substantial funding from the EC and has international travel restrictions imposed on members of the government by its neighbouring governments, Australia and New Zealand. These international sanctions have added to a difficult economic environment, with stagnant GDP growth and reduced inward investment.
Despite international criticism and strained diplomatic relations, the Bainimarama government is introducing substantial law, public service and land reforms. In April 2009, after the abrogation of Fiji's constitution, the government introduced broad censorship and assembly restrictions under public emergency regulations. These restrictions are still in place today.
The Bainimarama Government’s pledge in the form of their 'Strategic Framework for Change’ is to continue this reform process with the development of a new constitution leading up to the holding of elections in 2014. This is based on a detailed agenda devised following the 2006 coup called the ‘Peoples’ Charter for Change, Peace & Progress’.
