Tuvalu’s Focus on Economic Growth and Climate Change Leaves Little Room for Anti-Organized Crime Efforts
Tuvalu, a small Pacific island nation, has prioritized economic growth and climate change mitigation over anti-crime initiatives, leaving little room to address organized crime.
Limited Efforts Against Organized Crime
While Tuvalu has made progress in combating child labor and human trafficking since 2013, child labor remains tolerated in practice. The country’s stance on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a major organized crime issue in the region, is lackluster.
Government Involvement and Corruption
Despite this, there are no indications of government involvement with organized crime groups. Tuvalu’s political system is relatively volatile, with frequent votes of no-confidence against the prime minister, which has contributed to low trust in the government. However, the country remains generally regarded as a free nation.
The government has anti-corruption instruments in place, but few coordinated measures targeting corruption have been implemented. Tuvalu is part of an initiative led by New Zealand and the UN to strengthen anti-corruption laws in the Pacific Island region.
International Cooperation
Tuvalu has a positive record of information-sharing and partnership with the US, as well as membership in regional platforms such as:
- Pacific Islands Forum
- Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering
However, its commitment to international treaties on transnational organized crime is patchy, with several key conventions not signed or ratified.
Criminal Justice System
Tuvalu’s criminal justice system is independent, with a judiciary consisting of:
- Island courts
- Magistrates’ courts
- High Court
The country has no military force, but it does have a National Police Force that works closely with international partners to combat IUU fishing and smuggling.
Conclusion
While Tuvalu may not be actively engaged in anti-organized crime efforts, the country’s focus on economic growth and climate change is likely a more pressing concern for its small population.