Office of the Attorney-General

The Acting Attorney-General, Honourable Siromi Turaga, has called on all Government ministries, departments, and statutory bodies to fully support the work of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) and the Public Awareness and Civil Education (PACE) Team as Fiji continues its nationwide constitutional review process.

Delivering his statement in Parliament, Honourable Turaga described the constitutional review as a “historic national conversation” that belongs to the people of Fiji.

“This is not a bureaucratic exercise conducted in the corridors of power. It is a living, breathing national conversation that reaches into our villages, our communities, and into the hearts and minds of every citizen,” he said.

Honourable Turaga said the Constitution is the people’s social contract and that citizens must remain at the centre of the review process.

He acknowledged the work of the Constitutional Review Commission, highlighting the extensive consultations and hearings being carried out across the country. He added that the Commissioners have been travelling throughout Fiji to hear directly from citizens, including elders, youth, women, and communities from all walks of life.

“The Commission is faithfully gathering views on the strengths of our existing constitutional framework, as well as areas where our people believe reform is needed,” Hon Turaga said.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Public Awareness and Civil Education Team (PACE), which was established to ensure that Fijians are informed and actively involved in the review process.

“The PACE teams have been working tirelessly in the field, going directly to the people in village halls, community centres, and gathering places to demystify the Constitution and the review process,” he said.

He further stated, “This is not a task for the Office of the Attorney-General alone, nor for the Commission in isolation. It calls for a whole-of-government response.”

The Acting Attorney-General Honourable Siromi Turaga and the Solicitor-General, Mr Ropate Green, joined the Public Awareness and Civic Education (PACE) team in Tamavua Village this evening as community consultations on the Constitution Review process continue around the country.

The AAG and SG met with the villagers of Tamavua and nearby communities and acknowledged the importance of public participation in shaping the future of Fiji through the review process.

The evening session provided an opportunity for villagers to engage directly with the team, raise issues important to them, and better understand the purpose of the Constitution Review consultations currently underway.

The visit by Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka to the PACE Program training this morning left a strong impression on participating youths, many of whom were meeting the nation’s leader for the first time after only seeing him on television, in newspapers, or on social media.

The participants were youths from Serua/Namosi, Tailevu, Rewa, Naitasiri and the greater Suva–Nausori corridor, bringing together voices from across their communities.

As the Prime Minister entered the room, all participants rose to their feet almost instantly. Conversations ceased, chairs shifted back, and a pin-drop silence took over. A clear reflection of both respect and anticipation.

In his ddress Hon Rabuka spoke on the importance of the Constitution and the role young people play in shaping the nation’s future.

As the address progressed, some quietly raised their phones to capture the moment, recording videos and taking photos of the rare opportunity to witness national leadership up close.

Following Hon Rabuka address, the atmosphere softened and excitement became more visible.

Youths stepped forward to shake the Prime Minister’s hand, smiling, slightly nervous, but proud.

For many, it was a moment they had never imagined, now turned into reality.

The room, which began with excitement, gradually shifted into one of reflection and purpose. Conversations resumed with greater intent, and participants appeared more engaged in the training.

The visit was more than a brief interaction infact it was a meaningful encounter that connected young people directly to national dialogue, turning curiosity into a deeper sense of responsibility.

The atmosphere at Studio 6 this morning said it all.

Youths from all walks of life turned up in numbers to participate in the Public Awareness and Civic Education (PACE) Program, hosted by the Office of the Attorney-General in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The two-day training, which began today, focused on preparing these young participants to take important information back to their communities and help raise awareness on the importance of participating in the Constitution review.

But beyond the presentations and notebooks, a bigger question quietly sat in the room:

How often do we really stop and think about the Constitution and what it means for us?

For some, this was their first time hearing the topic broken down in a way that actually made sense. For others, it sparked a different kind of curiosity.

Why does my voice matter?

Will people even listen?

And how do I explain something this big to my family back home?

The sessions quickly moved from formal presentations into open conversations.

There were questions, some serious, some unexpected, and a few that drew laughter across the room.

While opening the workshop, the Solicitor-General Mr Ropate Green reminded youths that while they are often called the leaders of tomorrow, the truth is they are already part of today.

“You are the future of tomorrow, but your voice matters now,” he said.

It was a simple message, but one that seemed to land. Because if not them, then who? And if not now, then when?

The Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Honourable Siromi Turaga, also joined the session and addressed the participants.

Honourable Turaga reminded youths about responsibility and challenged them to listen properly, to ask questions, and to really understand what they are being part of.

“People need to understand why their voice counts and you can help make that happen.”

Throughout the morning, the room moved between laughter and reflection.

One moment, participants were joking about how hard it might be to explain the Constitution to their friends; the next, they were deep in discussion about why participation matters.

Because the truth is this isn’t just about a training. It’s about what happens after and will these conversations continue once they leave Studio 6?

Will someone go home and actually sit down with their family and talk about the Constitution?

Will a young person stand up in their community and say, “Hey, this affects us too”?

The training is building confidence, sharpening communication skills, and encouraging these youths to step outside their comfort zones.

“Have you had your say?”

Fiji has taken a step towards strengthening its response to climate change and disaster risks, with the Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, moving a motion in Parliament yesterday ratify the Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF).

Hon Turaga said the PRF is a Pacific-led initiative that will provide grant-based funding to support climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community resilience across the region.

He said the Facility is designed to make it easier for Pacific Island countries to access climate finance, especially for community-based projects that are often hardest to fund.

Hon Turaga said the Agreement was signed at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the Solomon Islands in September 2025 by the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, showing Fiji’s commitment to working with the region on climate and disaster challenges.

He said the PRF will be the first Pacific-owned financing mechanism of its kind and will be based in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga. It will provide grants, not loans, so countries are not taking on more debt.

"Fiji’s obligations under the Agreement are limited, with no need for new laws or mandatory financial contributions."

He added that safeguards are in place to ensure countries are not responsible for the Facility’s debts.

Ratifying the Agreement will help Fiji access funding that directly supports communities and strengthens resilience across the country.

The Acting Attorney-General, Honourable Siromi Turaga, today presented a motion in Parliament for Fiji to accede to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979, as amended.

Hon Turaga said accession will strengthen Fiji’s ability to respond to maritime distress, enhance coordination, and reinforce the constitutional right to life through improved rescue, medical assistance, and safety measures at sea.

He said while Fiji already conducts search and rescue operations, the Convention will provide a clear international legal framework to support and strengthen these efforts.

Hon Turaga said that including “as amended” ensures Fiji remains aligned with evolving global standards, while retaining the right to object to any changes that may not suit national interests.

The motion reflects Fiji’s commitment to international cooperation and improving maritime safety.