Pacific Island nations at risk of becoming footholds for global crime gangs, says U.N.
Pacific Island nations are at risk of becoming bases for global criminal gangs, a report by the United Nations drug authority said on Friday, as criminal activity surges across the isolated and economically vulnerable region.
The region is now home to drug cartels from the Americas, outlaw motorcycle gangs from Australia and New Zealand as well as Asian crime groups, it said.
Spread across thousands of kilometres of ocean, Pacific Island countries and territories are particularly vulnerable because of their isolation and economic vulnerability as well as high levels of corruption and limited state capacity, it said.
Many Pacific Islands have historically relied on foreign countries like Australia to help with policing, an issue that’s become geopolitically charged since China deployed police to the Solomon Islands in 2022. It also has officers in Kiribati.
PRAY FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS:
Push back the force of darkness in the spiritual atmosphere
Righteousness to reign
Governmental authorities shall be strengthen, enhancing their enforcement to curb crimes and lawlessness in the region
Protection on the communities and families in the region
Crimes and illegal activities shall be exposed and stopped
Believers to arise and shine to impact lives with the Gospel
Churches in the region to manifest God's presence and glory