HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN FIJI
‘There is international trafficking as well as domestic trafficking in Fiji and we know there are sourced countries into Fiji [and they] are broadening’
Human trafficking in the country has extended to Thailand and other countries, says a representative of the International Organisation for Migration.
Speaking during the 2019 National Workshop on Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation at the Naviti Resort on the Coral Coast on Wednesday, project support officer Lee Yacoumis said previously trafficking in Fiji was only from China and the Philippines.
“There is international trafficking as well as domestic trafficking in Fiji and we know there are sourced countries for victims into Fiji [and they] are broadening. It appears that trafficking is increasing in Fiji but that is not shared effectively and we do know that the numbers are still low.”
According to the International Organisation for Migration report, around 25 known cases of human trafficking to the country have been captured, of which some are being prosecuted.
“Over exploitation in Fiji is connected with local extractive industry such as fishing and mining and that Fiji is developing a stronger inspection programme looking to ensure employers are doing the right thing by migrant workers,” Ms Yacoumis added.
The report said Fiji was the first transit point and destination for men, women and children trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation including domestic servitude. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa said Fiji’s extensive porous border with a huge maritime space made it vulnerable for trafficking in persons.
The three-day event ends today.