The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has raised concerns regarding Fiji’s ongoing challenges in addressing human trafficking, emphasizing that the lack of prosecutions hampers effective responses to this critical issue. Commission Director Loukinikini Lewaravu pointed out that Fiji’s continued presence on the Tier 2 Watch List in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report reflects significant deficiencies in the country’s anti-trafficking strategies.
Lewaravu highlighted several areas of concern, including inadequate proactive victim identification, delayed and insufficient investigations, a lack of effective prosecutions, and insufficient convictions for trafficking offenses. Despite the government’s procedural efforts, such as updating the National Action Plan and enhancing inter-agency coordination, these measures have yet to yield substantial results.
The Director underscored that human trafficking constitutes a severe violation of fundamental human rights, threatening individuals’ dignity, liberty, and freedom from slavery. She urged the government to demonstrate renewed political resolve by promptly initiating independent investigations into all allegations of trafficking.
Lewaravu emphasized that effective enforcement and accountability, alongside improved coordination, are essential for protecting victims and upholding human rights while restoring public trust in Fiji’s approach to combatting trafficking. The Commission is prepared to collaborate with government entities, civil society organizations, and international partners to implement a comprehensive, rights-based strategy that safeguards victims and ensures that perpetrators are held accountable. This collaborative approach aims to create a more effective response to human trafficking in Fiji, promoting both justice and human rights for all.
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