Coral Coast, Fiji - Fiji's justice and security agencies, the Fiji Police Force, Legal Aid Commission, Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission engaged in a planning discussion with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and New Zealand High Commission to strengthen the common approach to improved access to justice in the country. The two and a half day planning retreat was formally opened by Honourable Chief Justice Mr Kamal Kumar on Thursday 17 February.

The high-level discussion was convened as part of the Fiji Police Force Support Project, funded by New Zealand and implemented by UNDP. Directors and Coordinators of the International Relations Department, Criminal Investigations Department, Sexual Offences Unit, Community Policing Department, Legal Department and Corporate Services of the Fiji Police Force, Director of the Legal Aid Commission and Director of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission engaged in the discussion.

The objective of the planning retreat was to strengthen the partnership and facilitate annual planning based on the fundamental principles of the project, including human rights, early access to justice and gender equality. During the retreat, participants discussed various areas of priority that require collective efforts of project partners.

Honourable Chief Justice Mr. Kamal Kumar said, “Access to justice does not only mean access to courts. People’s experience in accessing justice starts with engaging with police in the criminal procedures.”

“Human rights as guaranteed by our Constitution, gender equality, inclusive accessibility, a survivor-centred approach, as fundamental concepts crucial to police operations will guide our discussions during this retreat,” added Mr. Kumar.

Mr. Itendra Nair, Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force in acknowledging the support of the New Zealand Government and UNDP said, “as the Commissioner has stated, we are not perfect as an institution but with the support of justice agencies, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet over the next few days, learn from our shortfalls and come up with a work plan to improve service delivery”.

The planning sessions included discussions on the conceptual framework and practice of human rights and gender equality facilitated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Pacific and UNDP’s gender specialist. 

Ms. Courtney Rose, New Zealand High Commission to Fiji Second Secretary, was appreciative of the partnership between New Zealand and the Fiji Police Force through their long-term cooperation programme. “New Zealand is delighted to strengthen its cooperation with Fiji’s justice institutions through this project in partnership with UNDP. I am pleased to be part of the project planning discussion as we look ahead to the coming year.”  

The participants were invited to a tour of the Sigatoka Police Station which was guided by the Fiji Police Force. The review and learning from the real situations in which police officers perform their duties provided valuable insights into prioritization for potential short, mid, and long-term solutions that the project can offer.

Mr. Levan Bouadze, Resident Representative UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji thanked the partnership and support provided by New Zealand through the project. He also expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Honourable Chief Justice and Deputy Commissioner of Police, as well as the invaluable engagement with the Legal Aid Commission and Human Rights Commission, which has enabled the project to contribute to enhancing access to justice in Fiji.

“I believe the strong partnership through the project enables us all to harness the potential in ensuring short-term service delivery while supporting the long-term goal of developing a sustainable security and justice system in Fiji,” said Mr. Bouadze.

The planning retreat was concluded with the annual work plan collectively developed and strengthened coordination mechanisms for implementation of the plan.

For media queries, please contact:

Ana Naisoro, Fiji Police Force; tel.: +679 3348107 / +679 990 5999; email: abnaisoro@gmail.com

Tomoko Kashiwazaki, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji; tel.: +679 715 8051; email: tomoko.kashiwazaki@undp.org