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ICRC supports Fiji Police with key training ahead of South Sudan deployment

Suva, Fiji (ICRC) – Eighteen police officers from the Fiji Police Force attended a pre-deployment briefing session to South Sudan facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Suva today.

Every year, the ICRC conducts training for Fiji police officers focusing on policing standards and international humanitarian law (IHL). Through these platforms, the ICRC enhances knowledge, understanding and acceptance of international rules and standards applicable to law enforcement, and reminds police of their obligations under domestic and international law.

In December 2020, the ICRC Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific Mr. Vincent Ochilet paid a courtesy call to the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. They discussed strengthening their relationship and exploring ways to broaden partnerships through stronger engagements in the future.

ICRC Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific Mr. Vincent Ochilet (Centre), Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew (left from Centre), ICRC Protection Coordinator - Björn Rahm (2nd left from centre), ICRC Humanitarian Affairs Advisor - Gillian Hickes (3rd left from center)

"ICRC provides around the globe pre-deployment briefings to Police and military officers bound for UN peacekeeping missions; however, it is the first time that the ICRC is providing such a briefing to Fiji police. We thank the Acting Police Commissioner for his interest and support and we look forward to continuing dialogue with the Fiji Police Force to further develop this dimension", said Mr Vincent Ochilet.

"Given the mandate and activities of ICRC and its presence in South Sudan to protect and assist the victims of conflict for the last 40 years, the briefing session is of importance for us. It gives the opportunity to our officers to start getting familiar with their upcoming mission", said the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew. "We thank ICRC for its support".

ICRC Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific Mr. Vincent Ochilet addressing the Fiji Police Pre Deployment to South Sudan Training

The topics covered in the one-day workshop included: ICRC and the Police Force: International standards applicable to Law Enforcement Officers, the South Sudan Context, an introduction to international humanitarian law and international human rights law and when they each apply, ICRC Protection activities in South Sudan and Conflict-related sexual violence in South Sudan.

For further information, please contact:

Rupeni Vatubuli, ICRC Suva.
Tel : + 679 7778139 Email : rvatubuli@icrc.org