08/06/2026
The Pacific must move with urgency and unity to address the rising risks in the digital space, as legal experts from across the region work to strengthen cybercrime laws and cooperation frameworks.
This was highlighted by Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Honourable Siromi Turaga as he opened the third in-person meeting of the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON) Cybercrime Legislation Implementation Handbook Subcommittee in Nadi this morning.
Hon Turaga said the Pacific is undergoing rapid digital transformation, and this progress must be matched with strong laws, strong institutions, and stronger regional cooperation to effectively respond to emerging cyber threats.
He said Fiji is honoured to co-host the meeting with the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON) given that Fiji’s development agenda is closely aligned with digital resilience, pointing to key national initiatives such as the National Digital Strategy (2025–2030), the National E-Commerce Strategy, and the National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy (2026–2031), alongside ongoing strengthening of the National CERT.
Hon Turaga said Fiji has also taken significant steps at the legal and international level, including the Cybercrime Act 2021, accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and its Second Additional Protocol, and the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in December 2025.
These instruments he said strengthen cooperation in addressing cyber-related offences such as fraud, identity theft, and online exploitation.
The Cybercrime Legislation Implementation Handbook is a practical regional resource designed to reflect Pacific realities and support countries in turning policy into effective legislation.
He acknowledged the strong collaboration between PILON, the Council of Europe, and regional partners, noting that the Cybercrime Working Group established in 2016 has continued to grow into a key platform for shared learning and cooperation.
Hon Turaga said good progress had already been made, with Chapters 1 to 4 completed during earlier meetings in Tonga and Vanuatu, and called on participants to focus on finalising Chapter 5 and the practical templates over the next three days in Nadi.
He said the aim is to complete a finalised Handbook ready for printing ahead of the 2026 PILON Annual Meeting.
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