Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has affirmed that Fiji will adhere to its extradition obligations with the United States in response to potential requests for the return of American citizens linked to the allegations against the Grace Road Group. This statement comes after the release of the 2025 United States Trafficking in Persons Report, which raises significant concerns regarding human trafficking in Fiji involving foreign nationals, including those from South Korea and the U.S.
The report highlights that members of the Grace Road Group, a foreign-based religious organization, are reportedly subjected to conditions indicative of human trafficking within Fiji. Prime Minister Rabuka stated that independent authorities are currently investigating the allegations and emphasized that the government cannot intervene in police investigations or judicial processes.
He mentioned, “Government, as such, cannot interfere with investigations nor with the court processes after investigations. They are independent functions. But if the United States of America has grounds on some of their citizens who are involved and they would want them extradited, we have extradition agreements with the United States of America and we will oblige.”
Rabuka’s remarks underscore Fiji’s commitment to honor existing extradition agreements if the U.S. formally requests the extradition of its citizens based on credible evidence. The allegations against the Grace Road Group paint a troubling picture, with reported incidents of forced labor, excessive working hours without breaks, physical violence, confiscation of passports, and unpaid wages.
The U.S. government has expressed its profound concern regarding potential links to transnational organized crime and human trafficking associated with the Grace Road Group, along with other suspected trafficking cases noted in the report. This situation underscores the importance of ongoing investigations and cooperation between nations to tackle human rights abuses and uphold justice.
In light of these developments, there is a hopeful sentiment that thorough investigations may lead to accountability and ultimately help to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals, ensuring that no one falls victim to exploitation in the future.
Leave a comment