New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr, Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing Inia Seruiratu, UNDP agency representative Revai Maknje Aalbaek with participants after the launch of the Draft Police Bill 2020 online consultation at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
WHO DRAFTED THE FIJI POLICE BILL 2020?
"I want to assure the Fijian people that the text of the so-called "Draft Fiji Police Bill" does not represent Government policy and will not be presented to Parliament. The draft text was drafted and released unilaterally by the Fijian Police Force. It was not cleared by the Solicitor General's office nor was it brought to Cabinet for Government's endorsement. It is standard practice that Government agencies consult within Government before seeking consultation from the public. I am disappointed that this process was not followed, had it been, the draft text never would have seen the light of the day..."
FRANK BAINIMARAMA
WHY DID IT TAKE BAINIMARAMA TWO WEEKS TO WAKE UP? Was he waiting for Aiyaz Khaiyum to WAKE UP?
FRANK BAINIMARAMA
WHY DID IT TAKE BAINIMARAMA TWO WEEKS TO WAKE UP? Was he waiting for Aiyaz Khaiyum to WAKE UP?
Frank Bainimarama: What was endorsed was old POLICE ACT 1965.
He claimed to his favourite Fiji Sun that the Fiji Police Force had put together a document dubbed the Draft Police Bill without consulting the Government or taking its input. Absoulte LIE. Facts speak for itself.
We suspect blaming Fiji Police is the first attempt to disqualify acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu for the PC Job that he has applied for and currently held by SITIVENI QILIHO
FAKE LAUNCH?: New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr, Fiji's Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu and UNDP representative Nanise Saune-Qaloewai at the launch of the public consultations into the draft Police Bill 2020. Fiji media should confront Jonathan Curr and ask him what the hell was he launching, and what was $9.2million for to Fiji?
Bainimarama now claims the Draft Police Bill does not represent FFP Government Policy? If so, who was SERUIRATU representing, himself?
WHO DRAFTED THE FIJI POLICE BILL 2020?
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These guests were NOT at the the launch of the Police Act 1965. They were at the launch of the Draft Fiji Police Bill 2020. We suspect blaming Fiji Police is the first attempt to disqualify acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu for the PC Job that he has applied for and currently held by SITIVENI QILIHO
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"It is a great honour and pleasure to be here today to mark this important initiative: Launch of the nationwide public consultation on the Draft Police Bill 2020."
Hon. Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Mr Inia Batikoto SERUIRATU,
His Excellency Jonathan Curr, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji,
The Honourable Mr Kamal Kumar, Acting Chief Justice
Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Christopher Pryde
The Acting Commissioner, Fiji Police Force, Mr Rusiate Tudravu
The Deputy Commander, Republic of Fiji Military Forces - Brigadier-General Dr Aziz Mohammed
Permanent Secretary for Defence, National Security and Policing, Mr Manasa Lesuma
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is a great honour and pleasure to be here today to mark this important initiative: Launch of the nationwide public consultation on the Draft Police Bill 2020.
Allow me to begin by congratulating the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Policing and the Fiji Police Force for this important undertaking and commitment to inclusive and transparent political processes through conducting the public consultation as a crucial component of the democratic processes.
I would like to express my gratitude to New Zealand Government represented by His Excellency Jonathan Curr for its generous support to UNDP’s Fiji Police Force Support Project which is directly supporting this important consultation exercise.
The Fiji Police Force Support Project aims to strengthen transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Police, in collaboration with key justice stakeholders and civil society organizations. I am very glad that the project is able to support the initiative of conducting the public consultation.
A Police Act is the legal basis by which a national Police force governs itself. It establishes the standard by which police officers conduct themselves and carry out their mandate to protect and serve the public. It forms the basis of the contract between the government and the people by ensuring professional law enforcement and respect for the rule of law.
This Bill is the result of much work and consideration to the way in which the Fiji Police Force interacts with the people of Fiji, and how law enforcement practices can be modernized and refined to better protect victims, witnesses and suspects and accused alike.
Updating the existing Police Act is a critical exercise. The current Act, passed in 1965, needs to be brought into the 21st century, and take into account positive standards and best practices from international treaties to which Fiji is committed, and take advantage of the opportunities modern technology affords the Fiji Police Force to better carry out its duties and mandate.
The openness with which this process is being carried out is laudable, and I commend the Honorable Minister, Police Commissioner, and the legal team for approaching this exercise with such rigor.
The Fiji Police Force Support Project forms part of a wider Police Strengthening Programme being undertaken by New Zealand that aims to improve the performance and culture of the Fiji Police Force, as announced by Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand during her visit to Fiji in February 2020.
For the Police Bill 2020, as it is being launched today, Fijian citizens will have two ways of making their opinions on the Bill counted through face-to-face meetings and online submissions.
As laid out in the schedule of the consultation, the Ministry is travelling to reach out to citizens residing in remote island communities or interior of Fiji. Online modality will also enable citizens to submit their opinions whenever and wherever convenient to them when they have internet connection. This will encourage citizens to engage in and take ownership of their country’s law-making process.
As the lead UN development agency, UNDP helps implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our work with the countries and partners. The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji through the New Zealand funded Fiji Police Force Support Project, focuses on Goal 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Achieving the SDGs requires the partnership of governments, private sector, civil society and citizens alike to make sure we leave a better planet and societies for future generations.
Once again, I congratulate the Ministry of Defence and the Fiji Police Force for actively engaging with and encouraging all Fijian citizens to participate in the public consultation on the Police Bill 2020, face to face or online, and make their law and institutions work better for democratic, inclusive and just society.
To conclude, I wish to the Ministry of Defence and the Fiji Police Force the best with the consultation process. We stand by you as a proud partner.
Thank you.
His Excellency Jonathan Curr, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji,
The Honourable Mr Kamal Kumar, Acting Chief Justice
Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Christopher Pryde
The Acting Commissioner, Fiji Police Force, Mr Rusiate Tudravu
The Deputy Commander, Republic of Fiji Military Forces - Brigadier-General Dr Aziz Mohammed
Permanent Secretary for Defence, National Security and Policing, Mr Manasa Lesuma
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is a great honour and pleasure to be here today to mark this important initiative: Launch of the nationwide public consultation on the Draft Police Bill 2020.
Allow me to begin by congratulating the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Policing and the Fiji Police Force for this important undertaking and commitment to inclusive and transparent political processes through conducting the public consultation as a crucial component of the democratic processes.
I would like to express my gratitude to New Zealand Government represented by His Excellency Jonathan Curr for its generous support to UNDP’s Fiji Police Force Support Project which is directly supporting this important consultation exercise.
The Fiji Police Force Support Project aims to strengthen transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Police, in collaboration with key justice stakeholders and civil society organizations. I am very glad that the project is able to support the initiative of conducting the public consultation.
A Police Act is the legal basis by which a national Police force governs itself. It establishes the standard by which police officers conduct themselves and carry out their mandate to protect and serve the public. It forms the basis of the contract between the government and the people by ensuring professional law enforcement and respect for the rule of law.
This Bill is the result of much work and consideration to the way in which the Fiji Police Force interacts with the people of Fiji, and how law enforcement practices can be modernized and refined to better protect victims, witnesses and suspects and accused alike.
Updating the existing Police Act is a critical exercise. The current Act, passed in 1965, needs to be brought into the 21st century, and take into account positive standards and best practices from international treaties to which Fiji is committed, and take advantage of the opportunities modern technology affords the Fiji Police Force to better carry out its duties and mandate.
The openness with which this process is being carried out is laudable, and I commend the Honorable Minister, Police Commissioner, and the legal team for approaching this exercise with such rigor.
The Fiji Police Force Support Project forms part of a wider Police Strengthening Programme being undertaken by New Zealand that aims to improve the performance and culture of the Fiji Police Force, as announced by Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand during her visit to Fiji in February 2020.
For the Police Bill 2020, as it is being launched today, Fijian citizens will have two ways of making their opinions on the Bill counted through face-to-face meetings and online submissions.
As laid out in the schedule of the consultation, the Ministry is travelling to reach out to citizens residing in remote island communities or interior of Fiji. Online modality will also enable citizens to submit their opinions whenever and wherever convenient to them when they have internet connection. This will encourage citizens to engage in and take ownership of their country’s law-making process.
As the lead UN development agency, UNDP helps implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our work with the countries and partners. The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji through the New Zealand funded Fiji Police Force Support Project, focuses on Goal 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Achieving the SDGs requires the partnership of governments, private sector, civil society and citizens alike to make sure we leave a better planet and societies for future generations.
Once again, I congratulate the Ministry of Defence and the Fiji Police Force for actively engaging with and encouraging all Fijian citizens to participate in the public consultation on the Police Bill 2020, face to face or online, and make their law and institutions work better for democratic, inclusive and just society.
To conclude, I wish to the Ministry of Defence and the Fiji Police Force the best with the consultation process. We stand by you as a proud partner.
Thank you.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho said, “Fiji ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) in March 2016. The First-Hour Procedure and Video-Recorded Interviews pilot was developed with leading justice actors to implement this convention with support from UNDP. The new partnership will enable us to further strengthen our commitment to combat torture amongst our ranks, and support our commitment to implement the UNCAT.”
The project has been guided by the strategic vision and mission of the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Five-Year & Twenty-Year National Development Plan: Transforming Fiji, and supports the wider Police Strengthening Programme being undertaken by New Zealand to strengthen the performance of the Fiji Police Force.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr said, “Through this programme the New Zealand and Fiji Police Forces, and UNDP, will work closely together on enhancing investigative skills, providing early access to justice and promoting gender equality. This is critical to supporting the work of other components of the criminal justice system, and it is an important plank in the efforts of New Zealand and Fiji to combat shared threats such as trans-national organised crime. This initiative forms a part of the new Policing partnership programme announced by Prime Minister Ardern during her visit to Fiji in February this year, and which deepens the relationship between the New Zealand and Fiji Police Forces and other justice stakeholders. I particularly acknowledge the support of the Fiji Government, the Fiji Police Force under the leadership of Commissioner Qiliho, for their commitment to this new partnership.”
The cooperation with the Legal Aid Commission, which provides contact with lawyers in the first-hour, and coordination with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Courts, has been and will continue to be of crucial importance to the success of this initiative.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative Levan Bouadze said, “Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights are cornerstones of UNDP’s work to achieve sustainable human development and eradicate extreme poverty. An important component of this work is building capacity of police, strengthening accountable institutions, and advocating for human rights. I am delighted to be able to contribute to Fiji in this key area thanks to the generous support provided by New Zealand. I look forward to continuing the fruitful partnerships over the next four years.”
Both New Zealand and UNDP share a deep and long-standing security and justice partnership with Fiji. The partnership, through this initiative, aims to contribute to Fiji’s sustainable development with focus on Sustainable Development Goal 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies and Goal 5 which is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
For media queries, please contact:
Ana Naisoro, Fiji Police Media Liaison Officer; tel.: +679 3348107 / 9905999; email: [email protected]
Courtney Rose, Second Secretary | Political, New Zealand High Commission Suva| Te Aka Aorere; tel.: +679 779 0804; email: [email protected]
Tomoko Kashiwazaki, Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji; tel.: +679 715 8051; email: [email protected]
The project has been guided by the strategic vision and mission of the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Five-Year & Twenty-Year National Development Plan: Transforming Fiji, and supports the wider Police Strengthening Programme being undertaken by New Zealand to strengthen the performance of the Fiji Police Force.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr said, “Through this programme the New Zealand and Fiji Police Forces, and UNDP, will work closely together on enhancing investigative skills, providing early access to justice and promoting gender equality. This is critical to supporting the work of other components of the criminal justice system, and it is an important plank in the efforts of New Zealand and Fiji to combat shared threats such as trans-national organised crime. This initiative forms a part of the new Policing partnership programme announced by Prime Minister Ardern during her visit to Fiji in February this year, and which deepens the relationship between the New Zealand and Fiji Police Forces and other justice stakeholders. I particularly acknowledge the support of the Fiji Government, the Fiji Police Force under the leadership of Commissioner Qiliho, for their commitment to this new partnership.”
The cooperation with the Legal Aid Commission, which provides contact with lawyers in the first-hour, and coordination with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Courts, has been and will continue to be of crucial importance to the success of this initiative.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative Levan Bouadze said, “Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights are cornerstones of UNDP’s work to achieve sustainable human development and eradicate extreme poverty. An important component of this work is building capacity of police, strengthening accountable institutions, and advocating for human rights. I am delighted to be able to contribute to Fiji in this key area thanks to the generous support provided by New Zealand. I look forward to continuing the fruitful partnerships over the next four years.”
Both New Zealand and UNDP share a deep and long-standing security and justice partnership with Fiji. The partnership, through this initiative, aims to contribute to Fiji’s sustainable development with focus on Sustainable Development Goal 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies and Goal 5 which is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
For media queries, please contact:
Ana Naisoro, Fiji Police Media Liaison Officer; tel.: +679 3348107 / 9905999; email: [email protected]
Courtney Rose, Second Secretary | Political, New Zealand High Commission Suva| Te Aka Aorere; tel.: +679 779 0804; email: [email protected]
Tomoko Kashiwazaki, Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji; tel.: +679 715 8051; email: [email protected]
