Mechanism in place for prisoners to lodge complaints

The Fiji Corrections Service says any prisoner can lodge their  grievances and complaint with the Commissioner.

While appearing at the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence meeting, Assistant Commissioner Viliame Bulewa says the Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner will then look at the severity of the complaint.

He also said under the new Legislations of the Fiji Corrections Service Act 2006, some provisions from the previous Prison Act that constitutes torture have been completely removed.

Bulewa said these include the solitary confinement with reduced diet and corporal punishment. 

He also said the provision of arms may only be issued to officers upon the order of the Commissioner or a Divisional Supervisor, Senior Officer or Officer in Charge.

He said it may only be used for the purpose of preventing any escape or attempted escape.

Bulewa also said the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture by Fiji is a forward movement towards Nation Building and respecting and observing the Rule of Law in Fiji by all members of the Fiji Corrections Service and other members of the disciple forces.