Rights coalition calls for suspension of Police-RFMF joint operations

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights has called for the immediate suspension of all joint operations involving the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force until investigations into the deaths of Jone Vakarise and Sakiasi Radravu are completed and made public.

The coalition said the suspension should remain in place until independent, transparent and comprehensive investigations have been concluded.

It also raised concerns over allegations of torture made by individuals who were taken into State custody during the joint operations.

The coalition is calling on the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to investigate both deaths and the circumstances surrounding the detention of other individuals involved in the operations.

It said the commission should be granted access to carry out independent oversight.

NGO Coalition on Human Rights chair Shamima Ali said the incidents raised serious concerns.

"Within two months, two people have died while others have alleged torture. This is absolutely unacceptable. We do not see these as isolated procedural failures, but as symptoms of a structural erosion of the rule of law within these operations. The impunity must end," Ms Ali said.

She questioned the pace of investigations into the death of Jone Vakarise.

"As we have said from the start, investigations must be time-bound. It has been over 50 days since Jone Vakarise died in military custody. What is the update on this investigation, and what is causing this delay?" Ms Ali said.

The coalition said statements of regret by the Police Commissioner, the RFMF Commander and the Prime Minister would have little meaning unless they were followed by independent investigations, accountability measures and governance reforms.

The coalition also reminded the State of its obligations under Fiji's Constitution, including protections relating to the right to life, freedom from torture and the rights of arrested and detained persons.

It noted that Fiji is a State party to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and said no circumstances could justify torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

The coalition further stressed the need for authorities to comply with established custodial safeguards, including informing detainees of the reasons for their arrest, their right to remain silent, access to legal counsel and communication with family members.