Fiji signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997
and was the eighteenth country to ratify on 10 June 1998. Fiji has not enacted
domestic implementing legislation. Although it did not attend most of the
treaty preparatory meetings, or the formal treaty negotiations, Fiji endorsed
the pro-ban treaty Brussels Declaration in June 1997. It also voted for the
pro-ban UN General Assembly resolutions on landmines in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Fiji is neither a member of the Conference on Disarmament nor a party to the
Convention on Conventional Weapons.
Unlike most Pacific Islands states, Fiji has its own military and has made
major contributions to conflicts such as World War II, and to peace-keeping in
situations including Lebanon and the
Sinai.[1]
Fiji is not believed to have ever produced, transferred, or stockpiled
antipersonnel landmines. No evidence has been found to suggest the use of
landmines in Fiji. Fijian forces may have been involved in their use in other
areas in earlier conflicts such as World War Two.
In the absence of specific comment from the Fijian Government there are some
aspects that remain unanswered in connection with Fiji's role in international
peacekeeping. These include joint operations with the military forces of
governments who may not have signed the Treaty, and whether or not Fijian
military are or have been trained in mine laying or mine clearing.
Fiji does not provide funding for mine action programs.
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