Fiji urged to adapt as peacekeeping threats evolve

Fiji must adapt to changing global security threats while ensuring the protection of civilians remains central to every peacekeeping mission, according to Acting Attorney General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop on the Future of Peace Operations and Protection of Civilians, Turaga stated that Fiji's proud peacekeeping legacy must continue to evolve to meet the demands of modern conflicts. He emphasized that while the nature of warfare is changing, the protection of vulnerable people, particularly women and children, must never be compromised.

Turaga highlighted Fiji's extensive contribution to international peacekeeping, spanning from the First and Second World Wars to United Nations missions and the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). He noted that these deployments have significantly shaped the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. "We pride ourselves as the best peacekeepers in the world. We have a generation of peacekeepers. I think some families, like four or five generations. It did not start with the UN. It started in the First World War and the Second World War," he said.

Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs Mason Smith added that Fiji must also prepare for emerging threats, including cyber security risks and the impacts of changing weather patterns. Smith confirmed that the Ministry is developing a new peacekeeping strategy to ensure Fiji’s forces remain ready for future challenges while continuing to uphold their commitment to protecting civilians.

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We pride ourselves as the best peacekeepers in the world. We have a generation of peacekeepers. I think some families, like four or five generations. It did not start with the UN. It started in the First World War and the Second World War.