Allegations have emerged regarding police officers mistreating transgender individuals and women involved in sex work.
June White, the director of Haus of Khameleon, questioned how long police officers will continue to mistreat those earning a living through sex work. “We are still humans and deserve fair treatment from society and police officers. It doesn’t take much to be kind,” June stated. “Having been a sex worker before, I frequently hear from current workers that this abuse continues on our streets.”
June hopes for action to address issues faced by transgender community members who engage in sex work. “Sex workers fear arrest or further abuse if they report these crimes,” June said. She also claimed that police officers forcibly take transwomen and drop them off in the interior of Wailoku, making them walk to their destinations. “I have experienced it, and it’s a distressing experience for our members, especially the young ones. All we want is a safe environment to meet our needs,” June added.
Divisional Police Commander South SSP Wate Vocevoce emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism. “If an offence is committed, we must apply the law diligently with integrity, respect, and fairness. If a report is lodged against an officer, we will investigate accordingly to uphold professionalism and pursue justice,” Vocevoce stated.
Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua assured the public that his office is open to those afraid to report police officers. “My office is always open, or individuals can go to the Ministry of Women to report it,” Tikoduadua said.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya stressed that everyone should feel safe in front of an officer, regardless of age, gender, or sexual preference. “We trust officers to fulfill their roles, and now women are complaining about them. Sex workers are human beings with rights and should not face discrimination based on their profession,” Tabuya stated. “One of their biggest complaints is the discrimination they face from the Police and their lack of confidence in the Fiji Police Force. At the Ministry of Women, we aim to strengthen the sexual offences unit to ensure the proper care of women when they present at a police station, whether as victims or accused persons.”