His Excellency, Ratu Williame Maivalili Katonivere

The Honourable Justice Kamal Kumar, Chief Justice of Fiji

Ms. Erja Askola, Deputy Head, European Union and Charge de’ ffaire to the Pacific 

Members of the diplomatic corps

Esteemed Justices of the High Court of Fiji

Distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends

Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.

It is my pleasure to be with you this morning to celebrate the milestone achievement that is - the new e-filing and case management system for the Judiciary of Fiji. This state-of-the-art system, which was developed with funding by the European Union, is a giant leap towards the development of digital innovation in Fiji’s Court System. 

E-filing and Case Management System

As we move towards a more digital age, it is important that the Judiciary of Fiji also adapts and modernizes its ICT infrastructure to keep pace with the changing times. One of the most significant ways we can do this is by the realization of the e-filing and case management system being publicly launched today. 

The e-filing system allows lawyers and litigants to file court documents electronically, rather than in person, saving time and money. This is especially important for those living in remote areas, who may previously have had to travel long distances to file court documents.

The case management system, on the other hand, allows court staff and esteemed members of the judiciary (some of whom are here today) to manage cases more efficiently, with all information about a case in one place, easily accessible to all relevant parties. 

The newly digitized system is testimony to the ambition and vision of the Fiji Judicial Department to ensure justice is accessible to all and to leave no-one behind.  This is also a key goal of UNDP under the Sustainable Development Goal 16 of peace, justice, and strong institutions, and we are proud to support the Judiciary of Fiji in achieving this.

Acknowledgment and thanks

I would like to acknowledge and thank the Honourable Chief Justice for his Lordship’s continued leadership and partnership with UNDP under the Access to Justice Project. 

Sir, your vision to deliver justice to the doorsteps of all Fijians including women, youths, people living with disability and marginalized groups, demonstrates the highest level of commitment to strengthening access to justice and the promotion of human rights. 

Let me say that all the work being celebrated and launched today would not have been possible without the strong partnership and commitment of the European Union.

Your excellency, we thank the EU for your commitment to strengthening the pillars of justice and rule of law in Fiji and look forward to further voyages in similar waters in the near future.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the ReadyTech, Australia's leading provider of digital solutions for justice sector, for being a partner for realizing this digital innovation with the shared objectives.

We are proud to share this momentous occasion with all our key Justice Stakeholders and remain committed to supporting other areas of interest under the Justice and Peace and Security Sector. 

Thank you and vinaka.