Skip to main content

Fiji

Fiji has detailed legislative provisions on terrorism in its 1969 Public Order Act (as amended in 2017).

Compliance with International Law:
Last updated: one year ago

The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law

Fiji defines terrorism but not a terrorist act in its national law, although the latter is expressly prohibited. Terrorism is defined in the 1969 Public Order Act (as amended in 2012) as predicate acts that are committed for a political, religious or ideological purpose and intended to intimidate the public or compel Government conduct.S. 2, Fiji 1969 Public Order Act.

Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties

Fiji is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.

Adherence to Global Terrorism Treaties
Treaty Adherence
1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons State Party
1979 Hostage-Taking Convention State Party
1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention State Party
1999 Terrorist Financing Convention State Party
2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention State Party

 

Fiji hosts the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum, but the Forum has yet to elaborate a regional treaty on terrorism. The 2002 Pacific Islands Forum Nasonini Declaration on Regional Security called on leaders from the region to introduce legislation and national strategies to address transnational threats, including terrorism.

Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences

Under Fiji's 1969 Public Order Act, a terrorist act is punishable with life imprisonment.S. 12(A), 1969 Public Order Act.The same penalty is prescribed for a person who harbours a member of a terrorist group.S. 12(B), 1969 Public Order Act.

Under Section 98 of the Penal Code, "Any person who goes armed in public without lawful occasion in such a manner as to cause terror to any person is guilty of a misdemeanour, and his arms may be forfeited." 

Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level

Fiji's Police Force does not have a dedicated counterterrorism unit.

Downloads

Criminal Code of Fiji

2017 Amendment to the Public Order Act of Fiji