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Report: The State of Freedom of Religion in Fiji

// October 27th, 2009 // Fiji Coup Coverage, Human Rights

While Fiji does not have the best record on ‘freedom of religion,’ the U.S. Department of State report is overwhelmingly balanced on the issue even though it notes instances of persecution.

There was some concern the religious crusade instituted by the Police Commissioner resulted in coercion within the police force to convert to Christianity. There were isolated reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. According to police statistics, reported incidents of sacrilege decreased from 39 in 2006 to 22 in 2007. Of the 21 reports of robbery and/or desecration of places of worship in 2007, 12 involved Christian churches, seven involved Hindu temples, and two involved mosques. Police surmised that many incidents had more to do with theft than with religious intolerance.

Several Hindu temples were attacked during the reporting period. In August 2008, a private temple in Ba was reportedly destroyed by arsonists. Following a string of temple desecrations in October, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama ordered a special investigation. Bainimarama stated that ending racism against Indo-Fijians was a priority for his administration.

There were isolated problems for religious groups viewed as outside the mainstream seeking to establish congregations in some villages and outer islands. In a few cases, local traditional leaders prevented groups from proselytizing or holding meetings.

I think it is fair to say that coupster Bainimarama respects freedom of religion even though his administration is not exactly capable of handling persecution. Freedom of expression, especially speech, is another matter altogether.

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