Fiji Police strengthen human rights focus in Western Division training
Thirty officers from Fiji’s Western Division completed a two-day workshop in Lautoka aimed at strengthening human rights-based policing, community conflict resolution, and non-violent, community-centered approaches to enforcement. The training emphasized the rights of women, children, and marginalised groups, as well as issues surrounding online abuse and freedom of expression. Participants also engaged with experts from the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and the Online Safety Commission to deepen their understanding of legal frameworks and online safety procedures.
The workshop was conducted under the Joint United Nations Peacebuilding Fund’s Strengthening Social Cohesion Pathways, a project on Human Rights and Women’s Civic Participation. Its goal is to equip officers with practical skills for de-escalating conflicts, identifying hate speech and racist rhetoric, and employing communication strategies that build public trust. The effort is part of a broader national reconciliation and social cohesion program led by the government.
In remarks, Fiji Police Officer in Command for Internal Affairs Western Division, ASP Temesi Tuwai, described social cohesion as the backbone of trustworthy policing. “A focal to this training has been social cohesion, which generally refers to the strength of relationships and the sense of belonging within a group or society. Binding elements being trust, and for any of us to gain anyone’s trust, we need to conduct ourselves in a manner that is trustworthy and honest,” he said. Raphael Asuliwonnu, Project Manager for UNDP Pacific Office, underscored that policing in a democracy is service—guided by the rule of law and anchored in human rights and dignity. “The way policing is done directly impacts cohesion, and trust in the community,” he stated.
Context and broader reforms
This training sits within Fiji’s wider reform program to align policing with international human rights standards and the government’s Restore Blue initiative. It complements ongoing reviews of use-of-force policies and the development of frameworks designed to improve accountability and protect vulnerable populations. Earlier initiatives in the Western Division have focused on conflict management and ethical conduct, with international partners stressing that trust and professional conduct are essential to effective policing.
Related developments across Fiji’s policing reforms point to a continued emphasis on empathy, de-escalation, and ethical action. Notably, similar programs have expanded training outreach and leadership development across divisions, and recent campaigns have highlighted the importance of strong community partnerships to prevent crime.
What this means for communities
– Increased trust between police and residents through transparent, rights-based approaches.
– Improved ability to de-escalate situations and reduce the need for force.
– Greater protection for women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in policing encounters.
– Enhanced awareness of online safety, freedom of expression, and responses to online abuse.
Next steps and value adds
– Consider publishing a follow-up on post-training outcomes, including participant feedback, real-world de-escalation case studies, and metrics on community engagement improvements.
– Track and publicly report on any changes in incident responses and use-of-force trends as reforms mature.
– Continue strengthening links with Restore Blue and other international partners to sustain reform momentum and accountability.
Summary
The Western Division’s human rights–focused training reflects Fiji’s broader push to modernize policing through empathy, accountability, and community partnership. By embedding international standards and local rights protections into day-to-day policing, the program aims to foster safer, more cohesive communities and a police service that serves with dignity and integrity.
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