Sex Offenders Registration Bill 2018 to address issues regarding sex offenders and victims living in the same village

Concerns have been raised as to how the Sex Offenders Registration Bill 2018 will address issues regarding a sex offender and victim living in the same village after the offender has served time in prison.

While making submissions on the Bill to the Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights in Savusavu, Matavesi Tauriwau of Natewa told the committee that an offender who was convicted for a sexual offence was sentenced to two years and now resides in the same village as the victim.

Tauriwau also highlighted in itaukei concerns of this same offender being allowed to take part in committee activities in and around the community adding that at the time of the incident he was also the Turaga-ni-Koro, a preacher and a member of the committee that addresses issues of marijuana in the community.

SODELPA MP and Committee member, Niko Nawaikula then intranslated this to the Committee members.

Chairperson of the Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Alvick Maharaj says that the Bill does not say anything on this issue however, he stressed that this issue is genuine in nature and must be taken note of adding that the Committee will get in touch with the Solicitor General’s Office to see how this can be incorporated into the Bill.

Maharaj also highlighted that issues on the offender participating in engagements and committees in the village need to be referred to the Ministry of Itaukei Affairs.

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