Fiji’s Ministry of Immigration stresses that human trafficking is not a collection of isolated incidents, but part of a dangerous and organised global network.
Speaking on World Day against Trafficking in Persons, Permanent Secretary Aliki Salusalu stated that it remains a serious, albeit often underreported, problem in Fiji.
Salusalu said the Fijian government has taken steps to strengthen its legal frameworks by signing the UN Anti-Trafficking Protocol and updating its legislation under the Crimes Decree 2009.
However, he acknowledged that Fiji’s Tier 2 ranking in the U.S Trafficking in Persons Report indicates significant challenges persist.
“Their tools are deception, coercion, violence, and debt bondage each method designed to control and exploit. Victims are commoditized and used for forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced begging, and other forms of servitude that defy our shared moral conscience. Behind every statistic is a real human life women, men, and children stripped of their freedom, hope, and dignity.”
Salusalu stressed that fighting corruption is crucial as trafficking networks frequently exploit compromised systems.
He is calling for a united front from all countries and organisations, reiterating that human trafficking is a complex, highly profitable criminal enterprise generating an estimated US$300 billion annually.
These operations span borders, leveraging digital platforms, corrupt officials, and legal loopholes.
He also highlighted the dire reality that over 50 million people are currently trapped in modern slavery.
