On May 17, 2012, the police cancelled a parade organized by Oceania Pride to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia in Suva. The organizers had acquired all the necessary permits from the police department and the city council to hold the parade; however, on the day of the parade they had their permits unexpectedly revoked. When they asked for the reason of this sudden decision they were informed that the police had not been aware that the parade was of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) nature.

While tourists flock to Fiji's white beaches in search of underwater paradise, the country's military officers threaten human rights defenders with a different underwater experience.

Australia has a good track record of principled diplomacy and implementing targeted sanctions against abusive military governments in Burma and Fiji. Yet it's relatively easy for Australia to speak out about countries where it has few economic interests. It takes more courage and principle to turn up the heat on countries where it has significant economic and strategic interests.