In spite of Fiji’s recent commitments to uphold human rights, extrajudicial punishment is often meted out by the security forces – police and military officers – resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. Suspected criminals or escaped prisoners are at high risk of torture and other ill-treatment in custody. Military involvement in civilian policing operations is unnecessary, undermines public confidence in the police and has led to serious human rights abuses. Weak institutions, inconsistent leadership, lack of oversight mechanisms, failures to investigate and legal immunities have led to a culture of impunity and accountability when violations have occurred.
