The Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Index Assessment has revealed strong levels of trust and acceptance between Fiji’s ethnic communities, with 80 percent of iTaukei and Indo-Fijian respondents expressing trust in one another.
Speaking during the presentation of the findings at Kadavu House, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says the data challenges the perception that ethnic discrimination remains a major issue in Fiji.
Kiran says more than nine in 10 respondents indicated they would accept people from another community as neighbours or in their homes, describing the findings as a positive reflection of social cohesion in the country.
She says the research provides a “powerful counter-narrative” to divisions often amplified on social media, adding that what unites Fijians appears to be far stronger than what divides them.
According to Kiran, respondents are more likely to report feeling discriminated against because of gender or economic status rather than ethnicity.
The Minister also highlighted strong support among young people for reconciliation efforts, including truth-telling forums, healing mechanisms, and reconciliation programmes in schools.
Kiran says the findings give reassurance that the Coalition Government’s planned Truth and Reconciliation Commission is receiving support from younger generations across different ethnic backgrounds.
However, she acknowledged that challenges still remain, particularly in relation to cultural understanding and harmful gender norms.
The findings shows that about half of respondents from each ethnic group felt other communities did not fully understand or respect their culture.
Kiran is calling on young people to learn more about both their own traditions and the cultures of other communities living in Fiji in order to strengthen mutual respect and understanding.
The SCORE assessment was conducted across 14 provinces through a partnership involving the United Nations Development Programme, SeeD, universities, and extension offices.
Kiran says the assessment provides important evidence-based insights that can help shape future policies and programmes aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence, inclusion, and civic participation in Fiji.
