In an effort to bolster the capacity to address governance-related offenses, 96 officers from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) are participating in a two-day workshop in Suva. This training, co-hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is focused on understanding the legal accountability under Fijian law regarding governance failures as criminal conduct.
The workshop aims to clearly define the distinctions between civil and criminal consequences under key legislation and utilize international case studies to enhance investigative strategies. Participants will also gain insights into charge framing and common defenses raised in governance cases.
FICAC Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika emphasized the increasing prevalence of governance breaches due to the complexities of modern public administration and the growing public demand for integrity and accountability. She urged participants to directly apply the skills learned during the workshop to strengthen accountability in their respective roles.
The initiative is led by UNODC experts Rachel Olutimayin and Elenoa Vakatora, as part of ongoing efforts to build capacity within FICAC. This workshop aligns with FICAC’s broader commitment to reinforcing ethics and accountability, as demonstrated by similar recent programs aimed at combating corruption within both public and private sectors in Fiji.
These proactive workshops signify a concerted effort to cultivate a culture of transparency and trust in the country’s governance systems. By fostering such educational initiatives, Fiji moves closer to achieving a corruption-free environment characterized by ethical governance, thereby laying a hopeful foundation for a brighter future for all its citizens.
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