FIJI LEADS THE PACIFIC IN GLOBAL CYBERCRIME...

Fiji has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to global cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime by becoming the first Pacific country, and the 50th globally, to sign the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention against Cybercrime. This landmark signing took place on June 5, 2025, at the Council of Europe's Octopus Conference in Strasbourg, France.

Representing Fiji at the signing ceremony were Ms. Tupoutuah Baravilala, Director-General for Digital Government Transformation, Cybersecurity and Communications from the Ministry of Communications, and Mr. Mesake Waqa, Assistant Commissioner of Police from the Fiji Police Force.

Director-General Baravilala emphasised Fiji's dedication to global cybersecurity matters, stating, "Our commitment, as demonstrated today, goes beyond our borders. Fiji is resolute in our active engagement in global cybersecurity matters, including the fight against cybercrime." She further highlighted Fiji's upcoming participation in crucial international forums, including the final session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Cyber next month, the Pacific Islands Forum ICT Ministers meeting in Fiji in August, and the signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in October, where Fiji was actively involved in the 3 year-negotiations.

Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica underscored the significance of this milestone, reinforcing the Government's strategic focus on enhancing national cyber resilience.

"The signing of the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention further strengthens Fiji's commitment to an open, safe, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable ICT environment," he stated. "This supports the vital work of our police, investigative authorities, and prosecution, building upon Fiji's previous accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime last June."

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the Government's ongoing efforts to modernise legal frameworks, including the current development of Fiji's National Cybersecurity Strategy, and the upcoming National Privacy and Personal Data Protection Policy with the pivotal support of the Council of Europe C-PROC Office". He reiterated that these initiatives are geared towards "strengthening our national cyber resilience, aligning to a global rules-based order with our people's wellbeing, even in online spaces, at its heart."

The Second Additional Protocol provides crucial tools for criminal justice authorities, enabling direct cooperation with service providers in other member countries and expedited means of cooperation in emergency situations. These robust tools are complemented by strong human rights and rule of law safeguards, including the protection of personal data.

The Octopus Conference, which brought together approximately 500 cybercrime experts from over 100 countries, including public sector representatives, international organisations, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and academia, served as the platform for this significant signing.

This latest achievement solidifies Fiji's position as a leader in the Pacific region for combating cybercrime and fostering a secure digital future for our people.