‘Actions Must Be Taken to Disrupt Organised Crime’
The establishment of trust mechanisms to ensure necessary information and intelligence are shared is a must.
And Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Tuakeu Puna Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Tuakeu Puna said necessary actions must be taken to disrupt organised crime infiltration into our region, including Fiji as a hub.
These were his closing remarks during the end of the 2022 Regional Law Enforcement conference at The Hilton Resort on Denarau Island on Wednesday.
Added accelerated globalisation has increased the region’s exposure and created an enabling environment for the proliferation of transnational crimes.
He said the region noted the significant value this platform could provide to the existing regional security architecture.
“In addition to Illicit drugs, cybercrimes, financial crimes, Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, Illegal movement and exploitation of people and children were some of the more prevalent crimes identified by members,” he said.
Mr Puna said that future iterations will not only focus on transnational crime but also look at broader security issues through the lens of the Boe Declaration and the 2050 Strategy as the strategic context within which your respective organisations play a vital role.
He added in endorsing the strategy, PIF Leaders recognised the importance of regional cooperation through open and honest relationships, and inclusive and enduring relationships; supporting inclusivity, equity and equality; and ensuring peaceful, safe and stable communities as important platforms for achieving the greatest benefits for our people.
“We must continue to promote regional cooperation and work together to address shared transnational organised crime concerns,” Mr Puna said.
“We must establish a whole systems approach where we strive for effective, open and honest relationships, and inclusive and enduring partnerships with each other, within our region and with our partners.”