The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has attributed the inadequate response to human trafficking in Fiji to “cultural” and “patriarchal practices.” The organization is urging action to address “cultural norms” that contribute to the issue.
In the 2023 US State Trafficking in Persons Report, Fiji was classified as a Tier 2 country, sharing this designation with over 100 other nations, including New Zealand, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. This marks the third consecutive year that Fiji has received this ranking, indicating that it “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking” set by the United States’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.
The report highlights the insufficiency of current legislation to combat the problem. FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga expressed to RNZ Pacific that multiple factors have led to the human trafficking situation in Fiji, such as a lack of government understanding, deep-rooted patriarchal values, and ineffective laws. Catanasiga noted that while some legislation exists, its implementation is sluggish, reflecting a broader lack of awareness regarding the severity of human trafficking.
She pointed out that human trafficking is closely linked to drug trafficking, yet resources are disproportionately focused on combating drug-related crimes. According to data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released in October 2023, approximately 0.6 percent of Fiji’s population has faced “severe” instances of human trafficking. However, researcher Ellia Green highlighted that this figure might be underestimated due to a lack of awareness about trafficking indicators, which leads to underreporting by victims and the public.
Green also emphasized that cultural taboos surrounding negative comments about elders can result in victim blaming, especially among young Fijians. Last year, the government allocated FJ$10,000 (NZ$7,500) to establish a Human Trafficking Unit, staffed by two officials working with the Immigration Department. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad previously noted that the commitment of funds to this unit had been overlooked by the former FijiFirst administration and indicated that more resources would be allocated during the 2024-2025 Budget announcement in July. However, no funding was assigned to the unit in the new financial year according to supplementary budget documents.
Catanasiga acknowledged the slow progress and the urgency of the situation while calling for more seriousness in addressing the findings from the 2023 US TIP report. She criticized leaders who dismiss the report, pointing out that many fail to read it, leading to misinformation and a lack of awareness about ongoing abuse and exploitation in their communities.
Catanasiga believes that traditional attitudes have obscured the issue of human trafficking, allowing it to be minimized or ignored. She insisted on a more proactive approach, emphasizing that when it comes to saving lives, respect for traditions should not overshadow the urgency of addressing trafficking problems.