Fiji’s immigration officials are being urged to enhance their professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with refugee protection principles. Taraivini Savou, the Acting Director of the Ministry of Immigration, made this appeal during the opening of a two-day workshop in Suva titled “Fundamentals of Refugee Status Determination in Practice.” She emphasized that these officers often serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking protection, highlighting the profound impact their decisions can have on vulnerable lives.
The training workshop, conducted in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), seeks to bolster Fiji’s refugee and asylum frameworks from both policy and operational perspectives. Earlier consultations in February and June 2024 have refined the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Standard Operating Procedures, setting the stage for Fiji’s first National Refugee Policy, a significant step that reinforces Fiji’s leadership in upholding international protection standards in the Pacific region.
Ms. Savou noted that the workshop aims to deepen participants’ understanding of practical RSD application while equipping them with essential tools to implement these procedures according to international obligations and national laws. These developments come at a crucial time as Fiji grapples with challenges related to human trafficking and the increasing number of migrant workers in the region—issues that have been highlighted in previous discussions and workshops.
Continued advocacy and collaboration among Fijian agencies, NGOs, and international bodies will be vital. The overall goal remains to create a more structured, equitable environment for migrants and refugees, ensuring that their rights are upheld and their welfare is secured. By fostering dialogue and systemic reform, Fiji can aspire to enhance protections for this vulnerable community and contribute positively to both regional stability and social welfare.
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