Review to create national security framework

THE Ministry for Home Affairs and Immigration has launched the National Security and Defence Review process, which also seeks an assessment on how the security sector can be repositioned as “loyal servants of the state that serves Fiji’s national interests”.

In a public notice last weekend, the ministry stated the overall purpose of the review was to create an appropriate national security framework that would enhance Fiji’s security in the new globalised security environment.

“How can the government’s security framework and apparatus be structured to consolidate democracy in the new Fiji, as well as build resilience in the areas of civilian governance and in the governance of the security sector will be the broad view the review will undertake,” the notice stated.

“The above question enlarges our understanding of the problem and gives us a better idea on what needs to be resolved. It also introduces several subsidiary questions related to Fiji’s national security.”

■ What can be done to strengthen Fiji’s institutional capacity for civilian and security sector governance?

How can democracy be consolidated in the new Fiji?

What are the key traditional and non-traditional security challenges facing Fiji as a nation state?

How best can Fiji respond to these security challenges?

What can be done to promote stable civil-military relations in the new Fiji?

How can we reposition the security sector in Fiji society as loyal servants of the state that serves Fiji’s national interests?

What can be done to build societal cohesion and resilience in Fiji?

The ministry is inviting written submissions until April 23.