Fiji has been warned to expect uprisings and revolt from those who feel excluded if issues affecting squatter families are not addressed.
The Daily Post reports that the warning was issued by Father Kevin Barr to coincide with the launch of a documentary highlighting the plight of squatters in Fiji.
The documentary shows that more than 100,000 people or bout 12% of Fiji's population live as squatters in over 180 settlements around the country.
Father Barr says unless their plight is addressed Fiji can expect to see the kind of uprisings and revolt that have already been seen in Solomon Islands, Tonga and East Timor.
Father Barr says the expiry and non-renewal of agricultural leases, especially in cane farming areas, has contributed to the increase in squatter settlements, with a major drift of people from Vanua Levu and the western division to the Suva - Nausori corridor.
He says between 60 and 80% of those in squatter settlements live below the poverty line.
Father Barr says while it cannot be said that the poor are criminal, poverty can make life more difficult and can easily become a breeding ground for domestic violence and crime, including theft, prostitution, glue sniffing and selling drugs.
