Transcript
Since it was introduced in January, Fiji's Online Safety Act 2018 has not yet been used to prosecute anyone.
But experts have warned that its wording is vague at best, and if not carefully policed could restrict free speech.
Similar concerns were voiced by the US ambassador to the UN, Anna Palladino, at the UN's periodic review.
"We recommend that Fiji, one, safeguard freedom of expression by ensuring that criminal and speech related legislation are not misused to suppress media, civil society and opposition politicians' criticism of the government."
Among other rights issues such as violence against women and human trafficking, free speech in Fiji was a concern shared by several nations.
New Zealand's UN representative, Jillian Dempster, urged Fiji to progress legislative reforms.
"New Zealand recommends that Fiji takes steps to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression in Fiji, including those of workers and employers, can be exercised without fear of undue influence by authorities."
But at the UN review, Fiji predictably defended its rights record and lauded the Online Safety Act.
People convicted under the law can face fines of up to $US9000 and a jail term of up to five years.
Fiji's ambassador to the UN, Nazhat Shameem Khan argued this was required to prevent rampant online abuse in the country.
"People have been specifically targeted because of their gender, because of their race, because of their religion. And in response to the concern about increasing numbers of incitement and of harassment and bullying as far as social media posts are concerned, government has passed the Online Safety Act, which is intended to protect citizens from exploitation, harassment and violence online."
Fiji's director of public prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, explained that hate speech had grown in recent years.
"Fiji has international obligations to protect vulnerable minority groups from hate speech attacks and one way it has done this is by enforcing its sedition laws against perpetrators since hate speech is a particular form of sedition."
Mr Pryde said his office carefully balances free speech with the need to protect against hate.
The US ambassador also urged Fiji to allow workers unions the right to assemble and rally.
This year, applications by the Fiji Trades Union Congress to hold peaceful marches have been denied and unionists arrested.
In June, the International Labour Organisation put Fiji on notice over its failure to implement labour rights reforms.
This is Mackenzie Smith.