The South Korean religious group Grace Road is under renewed scrutiny following the latest U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, which criticizes the Fijian government for its inadequate handling of allegations against the organization. The report highlights concerns regarding human trafficking and forced labor within Grace Road’s operations in Fiji, despite ongoing public reports about the group’s cult-like behavior and a criminal conviction of its leader for violence.
The TIP report raises alarms that, despite there being significant evidence of forced labor linked to Grace Road since at least 2018, the Fijian government has not prosecuted any offenders or responded appropriately to INTERPOL Red Notices issued for four of its leaders. This lack of action has led to suspicions of official complicity in the group’s operations, which thrive across various sectors including restaurants and construction.
Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, acknowledged during an interview that the government had dealt with Grace Road during his term as Home Affairs Minister but reiterated that legal actions are ultimately a matter for the courts. Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua refrained from commenting on the report, directing inquiries to the Ministry of Immigration, while Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto indicated he would address the media at a later date.
Fiji’s status on the U.S. Tier 2 Watch List for human trafficking has persisted for the second consecutive year. The latest report recognized the government’s efforts but noted that they have not translated into significant improvements. It indicated that Fiji does not fully meet international standards for combating trafficking and highlighted the persistent issue of official complicity undermining anti-trafficking measures.
While the Fijian government has taken steps to raise awareness and improve victim support—such as initiating more trafficking investigations and expanding services for victims—no new prosecutions have been initiated in the past year. Concerns were reiterated regarding the continuous reports of trafficking indicators within Grace Road, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and protective measures for victims.
Despite these serious issues, the situation has underscored a growing recognition of the problem within Fiji’s leadership and civil society. Stakeholders continue to advocate for more rigorous actions, including increased prosecutions and enhanced victim services. There is a collective hope that the emerging awareness and commitment to combat human trafficking can lead to proactive measures that will provide better protection for vulnerable populations in Fiji and support the fight against such abhorrent practices. The challenging road ahead remains, but with sustained efforts, there is potential for meaningful progress.