US Aid Freeze Disrupted Anti-Trafficking Support as Fiji Faces Downgrade Risk

The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze disrupted a Pacific programme established to combat human trafficking, raising questions about support for countries such as Fiji as they face pressure to strengthen their response.

Pacific RISE-CTIP was among the programmes put on hold following the US aid freeze in early 2025. Other affected initiatives supported climate resilience, community development and cybersecurity across the region.

The disruption provides important context as Fiji faces the possibility of a Tier 3 designation under the United States’ trafficking assessment system.

The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report retained Fiji on the Tier 2 Watch List for a third consecutive year. Fijian authorities identified 50 trafficking victims during the reporting period, but no traffickers were convicted for the third consecutive year.

Authorities initiated six trafficking investigations and two prosecutions. However, the assessment identified continuing weaknesses in investigations, coordination and victim protection.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka has acknowledged the seriousness of a possible downgrade while cautioning that it would not automatically mean all US assistance to Fiji would cease. He has asked officials to examine the report and its implications for Fiji’s relationship with Washington.

Under US law, a Tier 3 designation can lead to restrictions on certain nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related assistance. Waiver provisions exist, and the consequences depend on the assistance involved and subsequent US decisions.

US foreign assistance data compilations show approximately US$8 million in commitments specifically recorded for Fiji in the 2025 fiscal year, compared with US$15.6 million in 2024. These figures exclude separately recorded regional and worldwide programmes benefiting Fiji and should not be treated as the full value of assistance potentially affected.

The suspension of anti-trafficking support raises questions about how US funding decisions affect the capacity of Pacific countries to address the shortcomings identified in its assessments.

For Fiji, the immediate priority remains clear: turn investigations into effective prosecutions, strengthen protection services and ensure trafficking victims receive the support they need.