Lower income earners in Fiji have more opportunities now than ever before to seek legal advice and enjoy the security, assurance and the full protection of the law.
This was highlighted by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while officiating at the opening of the Legal Aid Commission Office in Labasa.
Bainimarama also stressed that juveniles can utilize the services of the Legal Aid Offices in Fiji free of charge adding that for a young person the socio-economic background will not be considered and neither will the socio-economic status of their family.
He has encouraged young people who are in need of legal services to take advantage of these services.
The Prime Minister has also revealed that the Legal Aid Commission provides services to anyone having an annual income of below $15,000.
He says today government is helping realize the rights of every woman, every man and child in Fiji to access legal services.
Bainimarama says that prior to 2007, there was only one office in Labasa which served the people adding that the Legal Aid Commission is the largest law firm in the country.
Acting Legal Aid Director, Shahin Ali says the new Legal Aid Commission Labasa office has a total of 10 full-time lawyers, 15 staff members and 6 interview rooms.
