Fiji Western Division police officers begin UN-led Human Rights Training to strengthen community policing
The Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police Iakobo Vaisewa, inaugurated the three-day Human Rights & Law Enforcement Training delivered with the support of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In his remarks, Vaisewa praised the ongoing collaboration with UN Human Rights Pacific, stressing that the partnership supports rebuilding and strengthening police–community ties across Fiji.
“Let me start with a simple truth: the way we treat others speaks volumes about our values, not just as officers, but as individuals and as a community. By following clear guidelines, systems and processes, practicing restraint, and staying accountable, we demonstrate our commitment to dignity and human rights,” Vaisewa said. He reminded officers that every encounter is an opportunity to either build or break trust, noting that acting with empathy, transparency, and accountability can transform policing from a profession into a true community partnership.
A total of 30 participants from police stations across the Western Division are taking part in the three-day training, which sits within a broader drive to embed human rights principles in policing. The event follows a string of related reforms and capacity-building efforts, including ongoing reviews of policing practices to align with international human rights standards and Fiji’s Restore Blue initiative. The broader programmatic work also encompasses leadership development and efforts to improve incident responses and community engagement.
Context from related initiatives highlights the momentum behind these reforms. Earlier training initiatives in Fiji’s Western Division have focused on conflict management, fair treatment, and ethical conduct in a culturally diverse country, with UN and partner organizations emphasizing the link between community trust and effective law enforcement. In parallel, ongoing work to revise use-of-force policies, introduce a Tactical Options Framework, and enhance accountability mechanisms reflects a comprehensive approach to modernizing policing while safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead, the training underscores a hopeful trajectory for policing in Fiji. By centering professionalism, empathy, and accountability—and reinforcing them with international best practices and cross-border cooperation—the program aims to strengthen police legitimacy and community safety across the nation. The initiative also complements leadership-development efforts supported by international partners, which have already reached officers across multiple divisions and rank levels.
Editor’s notes and value adds:
– Potential impact: If sustained, these trainings can contribute to fewer incidents requiring force, better conflict de-escalation, and stronger trust between police and communities.
– Follow-up ideas: Consider publishing a post-training outcomes report, including participant feedback, case studies of de-escalation in action, and metrics on community engagement improvements.
– Quick context for readers: Fiji’s Restore Blue initiative and international partnerships are central to ongoing reforms, signaling a long-term commitment to human rights-based policing.
Summary: The Western Division training marks another step in Fiji’s broader reform program to align policing with human rights standards, strengthen community partnerships, and build capable, accountable leadership across ranks. This positive momentum offers hope for safer, more just policing and stronger citizen trust in law enforcement.
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