Our work is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: protecting refugees is not only a legal responsibility, it is a moral imperative.
Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto highlighted this during the 2025 Refugee Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue held in Suva, hosted by Fiji’s Ministry of Immigration in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Naupoto affirmed Fiji’s commitment to upholding its obligations to protect refugees with compassion and fairness.
He says that the event also featured the signing of the Joint MOI-UNHCR Refugee Status Determination Standard Operating Procedures, which he hailed as a significant milestone.
The Minister for Immigration says the Joint MOI-UNHCR RSD SOP outlines a clear, coordinated, and consistent process for assessing the protection needs of asylum seekers in the future.
He adds the Standard Operating Procedures ensures decisions are made in a fair, timely, and transparent manner, aligned with local legislation, international refugee law, and humanitarian principles.
Naupoto emphasised that refugees should not and must not be seen as burdens. Rather, we should see them as mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters, each full of potential.
He adds that we see our own families and hopes reflected in their eyes. when given the opportunity, they thrive, contribute, and become part of our shared story.
