The 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report on Fiji reveals a distressing reality of exploitation affecting vulnerable populations within the nation. The report highlights how traffickers, including family members and foreign tourists, are taking advantage of children as young as 12 for purposes of sex and forced labor at popular tourist destinations, fishing vessels, and hotels.
Over the past five years, authorities and organizations have been documenting the severe nature of these trafficking activities. Alarmingly, a 2023 study indicated that around 20% of respondents were either victims themselves or knew someone who had fallen victim to trafficking. Victims are frequently found in commercial sex establishments, hotels, private homes, and massage parlors, where traffickers utilize digital platforms to facilitate sex trafficking. Many of these cases involve Fijian and Chinese nationals, often targeted at massage parlors run by Chinese nationals in Suva.
The report points out that traditional practices add to the risk; for instance, children sent by families to live with relatives in cities are left vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, tourists on yachts visiting rural islands may also contribute to exploitation in forced labor or sex trafficking as young women and children are targeted.
The economic strain from the pandemic and natural disasters has exacerbated these risks, resulting in more children being on the streets and thus more susceptible to exploitation. There is a troubling increase in sex trafficking involving children, sometimes with family members’ involvement, alongside reports of rising online child sexual exploitation, marking a decline in child safety.
Labor traffickers from countries like Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines suffer from exploitation in sectors such as agriculture and construction. Notably, some Chinese nationals working on projects tied to China’s Belt and Road initiative face forced labor risks in Fiji.
The report mentions exploitation of migrant fishermen, primarily Southeast Asian, on Fijian or foreign-flagged vessels, often with Chinese involvement, where they endure abusive conditions and coercion. Additionally, Fijians are trafficked internationally, facing exploitation in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Egypt.
Given these grave issues, the report calls for increased collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations, improved data collection, and consistent efforts to combat human trafficking. Protecting children and vulnerable workers is urgent, signaling hope for transformative change and a safer future for those at risk.