NCJ Number
87778
Date Published
1982
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This discussion of corrections in Fiji consider prison industries, remands, the status of prison officers and human rights, prisoners' exchange arrangements, the problems of drug offenders in prisons, and accreditation and international status.
Abstract
Prison industries in Fiji include a bakery, tailor shop, upholstery, tinsmithing, and prison joinery (the manufacture of items for prisons and government institutions). The aim of the industries is to reduce the public revenues required for prisons and help offenders to develop work skills suitable for use after release. A remand prisoner may retain his/her own clothing and bedding, exercise daily, and be released for work in the community. Remand prisoners are kept separate from convicted prisoners. Efforts have been made to upgrade the qualifications and pay of correctional guards. Guards have various options, according to rank, to appeal any official actions taken against them. The rights of prisoners are guarded through monitoring visits by supervisors of prisons, the controller of prisons, the visiting justice, and official visitors. Existing legislation does not provide for the repatriation of prisoners between Fiji and other Pacific and Southeast Asian countries. Problems with drug offenders in prisons have been limited in Fiji, because for the last 5 years, only six prisoners have been involved with drug offenses. The administration and treatment of prisoners are in accord with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Tabular data on various aspects of corrections in Fiji are appended.