The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) has raised concerns over the newly announced Australia-Fiji mutual defence treaty, saying the expanded security partnership should not proceed without stronger human rights safeguards.
In a statement, the organisation acknowledged the signing of the Ocean of Peace Alliance and the broader Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, which will deepen defence cooperation and deliver more than A$1 billion in Australian support over the next decade.
However, ACIJ said it was “deeply concerned” that the expanded defence relationship had been announced despite what it described as unresolved allegations of torture, ill-treatment and custodial violence involving members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
“Australia cannot credibly champion human rights in the region while failing to ensure that its own defence cooperation reflects those same principles.”
The organisation said its concerns were based on its representation of a Fijian torture survivor who it says was subjected to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by members of the Fijian military in Suva.
The organisation also pointed to recent allegations of custodial violence in Fiji, including the deaths of Jone Vakarisi and Sakiasi Radravu, saying the incidents highlight the need for greater accountability.
ACIJ said defence cooperation with countries facing credible allegations of serious human rights abuses should be subject to strict safeguards.
“Where there are credible concerns that a state’s security forces have committed serious human rights violations, defence cooperation should be subject to robust human rights conditions, including independent vetting, ongoing monitoring and accountability safeguards.”
The organisation noted that, unlike the United States’ Leahy Law, Australia does not have legislation requiring human rights vetting before providing security assistance to foreign military units.
ACIJ is calling on the Australian Government to establish a transparent, independent and legislated human rights vetting system covering all forms of defence cooperation with foreign security forces.
It also urged Canberra not to deepen defence cooperation where there are credible allegations of torture or other serious human rights violations unless appropriate vetting has been completed and any allegations that fall under Australian law have been properly assessed and investigated.
“Australia must ensure that any mutual defence assistance it provides does not legitimise alleged perpetrators, undermine accountability, or risk contributing to future human rights violations.”
