Fiji Police Transforming Community Relations Through Specialized Training Initiative

Police officers in Fiji’s Western Division are participating in a specialized training workshop aimed at enhancing their capacity to manage human rights issues, community conflicts, and tensions within diverse populations. This initiative involves thirty officers taking part in a two-day program organized under the UN Peacebuilding Fund project, which also seeks to promote social cohesion and increase women’s civic engagement in the community.

The workshop is designed to equip officers with essential skills in conflict resolution, recognizing hate speech, and defusing potentially volatile situations. Superintendent Esira Bari highlighted the importance of fair treatment and ethical conduct in policing Fiji’s culturally varied population. Reinforcing this view, UN Human Rights Legal Officer Releshni Karan underscored that adherence to human rights principles is fundamental to effective policing and vital for fostering public trust in law enforcement.

Furthermore, Raphael Asuliwonnu from the UNDP emphasized that robust community relations depend significantly on how police conduct their duties. The training covers crucial areas such as international human rights law, maintaining freedom of expression, managing complaints, appropriate use of force, and ensuring accountability, particularly in interactions with children, women, and individuals with disabilities. This initiative also supports the Restore Blue movement, advocating for an impartial and neutral police force.

Since the launch of this training program in April of the previous year, more than 200 officers have benefitted, marking significant progress towards improving policing strategies in Fiji. The overall effort reflects a commitment to transforming the approach to community policing, ensuring a more respectful and understanding relationship between officers and the residents they serve.

This proactive stance on police training is a positive sign for the future of law enforcement in Fiji, as it not only aims to address current challenges but also establishes a foundation for ongoing reform and accountability within the police force. With these initiatives, there is hope for a stronger, safer community characterized by justice and respect for all.