The Fijian government has initiated a thorough review of its human trafficking laws, entrusting the Fiji Law Reform Commission with the task of creating a contemporary and forward-looking legal framework to combat all types of human trafficking. This decision was announced by Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga under the Fiji Law Reform Commission Act of 1979.
The review was prompted by Fiji’s ongoing status on the Tier 2 Watch List in the United States State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which indicates deficiencies in the country’s strategies for prevention, protection, and prosecution related to human trafficking.
As part of its mandate, the Commission will perform a comprehensive gap analysis of existing laws, such as the Crimes Act 2009, Immigration Act 2003, and Cybercrime Act 2021, evaluating if the current definitions, penalties, and protection measures align with international standards. The review will also take into account vital international treaties and examine contributing factors like poverty, migration, gender inequality, and ignorance, which can heighten individuals’ susceptibility to trafficking.
To ensure a well-rounded approach, public consultations will be held, engaging various stakeholders including government agencies, civil society groups, legal experts, academia, and international partners. The Commission’s efforts will be further bolstered by scrutinizing available local data and coordinating between different agencies.
The finalized report, which will present recommendations and potential legislative amendments or a draft Bill accompanied by a Cabinet Paper, is expected to be delivered to the Acting Attorney-General by September 30, 2026. This proactive step reflects Fiji’s commitment to enhancing its legal framework in the fight against human trafficking, ultimately aiming for a significant improvement in the country’s human rights landscape.