AS part of efforts to improve its counterterrorism capabilities, Fiji is currently holding its second three-day workshop with New Zealand, Australia, and the US.
Deputy secretary for Home Affairs and Immigration, Sainitiki Ravuso, acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, the US Embassy, and the New Zealand Government in coming together to address ways to eliminate terrorism threats.
Highlighting the evolving security landscape, the deputy secretary warned that terrorism remained a significant threat to international peace and security, affecting nations worldwide.
Furthermore, she emphasised that terrorist networks had become more fragmented, focusing on inciting discontent and grooming individuals to carry out violent acts.
“Terrorists have the capacity to do us harm, and they are constantly looking for gaps in our defense and security arrangements that they can exploit. Their methods, of course, have changed and have mutated over the years to target vulnerable groups, critical infrastructures, and governments to spread their extreme ideologies across the globe,” she said.
Mrs Ravuso said the Fijian government, in collaboration with key agencies and international partners, was expediting the finalisation of the Draft Counterterrorism and Counter-Terrorism Bill.
“The ministry, in collaboration with key agencies and international partners, is fast tracking the finalisation of the Draft Counter Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Bill as per Cabinet approval on November 17, 2023.”
