The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed deep concerns regarding Fiji’s ongoing designation on the Tier 2 Watch List in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report. The Commission warns that significant shortcomings in prevention, victim protection, and prosecution efforts may lead to a culture of impunity concerning human trafficking.
In a statement released recently, the Commission indicated that this marks the second consecutive year that Fiji has found itself on the watch list, highlighting “persistent and serious gaps and deficiencies” in the nation’s approach to combatting human trafficking.
Commission Director Loukinikini Lewaravu noted the alarming lack of recent prosecutions despite existing allegations of human trafficking reported to the appropriate authorities. Although the Commission acknowledged the government’s efforts—such as updates to the National Action Plan and enhanced inter-agency coordination—it emphasized that these actions have not yet resulted in substantial improvements.
“Procedural progress without consequential accountability falls short of the State’s human rights obligations,” warned Lewaravu. He stressed that the current situation risks normalizing impunity, which in turn undermines victims’ rights to justice and effective recourse.
The Commission reiterated that human trafficking constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights, including dignity, liberty, and freedom from slavery, all of which are safeguarded under Fiji’s Constitution and various international agreements, including the Palermo Protocol.
To combat this crisis, the Commission calls for a renewed and genuine political commitment that prioritizes the needs of victims, ensures accountability, and dismantles systems that allow for exploitation. It urged the State to act swiftly by initiating independent investigations into all allegations of trafficking, especially those involving influential figures, and to pursue prosecutions wherever there is sufficient evidence.
Additionally, the Commission advocated for more robust measures to prevent and penalize official complicity, the establishment of a survivor-centered victim protection system, specialized training for law enforcement and prosecutors, and greater transparency in public reporting regarding the implementation of the National Action Plan.
“Human trafficking is a profound challenge that tests the State’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law,” Lewaravu remarked, highlighting the importance of a collective response. The Commission expressed its readiness to collaborate constructively with the government and civil society to develop a comprehensive, rights-based approach that not only protects human dignity but also delivers justice for victims.
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