On his first day in office, the newly appointed Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Conrad Jean Camille, convened a strategic meeting with two key leaders under his Ministry Principal Secretary Mr. Allain Volcere and Commissioner of the Seychelles Prison Service, Mrs. Janet George.
The meeting marked the start of Minister Camille’s official duties following his appointment and provided an opportunity to engage directly with senior officials overseeing critical areas of national security and public safety. Discussions focused on current operational priorities, ongoing projects, and strategies to enhance coordination across departments to ensure efficient service delivery and strengthened national resilience.
The meeting also underscored the Ministry’s renewed focus on strengthening internal coordination, improving operational efficiency, and reinforcing collaboration with law enforcement and emergency response agencies under its portfolio.
Minister Camille reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the men and women working within the Ministry, recognizing their vital role in delivering on the Government’s mandate for security, stability and effective public service.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. James Conrad Jean Camille as the new Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs.
Mr. Camille brings with him over 25 years of distinguished service across the Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, and the financial sector. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in the fields of law enforcement, public prosecution, and judicial administration.
His tenure as a Magistrate and Vice Chair of the Family Tribunal has been characterized by integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Guided by his core belief in service with integrity, Minister Camille has built a career centered on strengthening national security, upholding the rule of law, and promoting good governance.
With his extensive expertise in criminal justice, anti-crime strategy, and institutional reform, Minister Camille is well positioned to lead the Ministry in fulfilling its mission to safeguard the nation and serve the people of Seychelles.
The Ministry warmly welcomes Minister Camille to his new role and looks forward to his leadership and vision in building a safer, stronger, and more resilient Seychelles.
Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles E. Fonseka, warmly welcomed the newly accredited Ambassador of France to Seychelles, H.E. Anne Tallineau during a courtesy call yesterday.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Seychelles and France, particularly in the areas of maritime security, exchange programmes, and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
The meeting also highlighted the strong partnership between the Seychelles police and Frances' National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN), based in Reunion, which continues to provide advanced tactical, crisis management and counter-terrorism training to the Quick Response Team (QRT). These regular exercises further enhance operational readiness and collaboration between both forces.
The meeting also reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to work together in advancing mutual interests and enhancing collaboration in areas under the Ministry’s portfolio.
The Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Fonseka attended a ceremony held by the Disaster Risk Managemnet Division (DRMD) commemorating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2025, under the global theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”
The event brought together government representatives, academia, civil society organizations and youth groups to reaffirm the country’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient Seychelles.
Opening Session
The ceremony began with opening remarks from the Minister for Internal Affairs, who emphasized the importance of proactive investment in disaster preparedness.
In his address, the Minister underscored that disaster risk reduction is not only a government responsibility but a shared national priority. He stated, “Every rupee invested in preparedness saves lives, protects livelihoods, and reduces the cost of recovery. We must continue to prioritize prevention and capacity-building over response alone.” He further noted that the country’s resilience relies on partnerships, innovation, and a culture of awareness that begins with communities and young people.
Strengthening Partnerships through MoUs
As part of the commemoration, the Ministry witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) one with the University of Seychelles and another with the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS).
The signing was conducted between the respective organizations and the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRMD), represented by Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, Chief Risk Management Officer.
The partnership with the University of Seychelles focuses on academic collaboration, research, and training opportunities in disaster management and climate resilience. Meanwhile, the MoU with the RCSS aims to enhance community outreach, first aid training and volunteer engagement in emergency response initiatives.
Following each signing, the respective representatives Ms. Joëlle Perreau, Vice Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, and Ms. Marie-May Esparon, Secretary General of the RCSS delivered brief addresses reaffirming their commitment to the shared objectives. Group photographs marked the conclusion of each signing.
Creative Youth Segment
Highlighting the vital role of youth in building resilience, the event featured a Creative Youth Segment that included a poem prize-giving ceremony and a short sketch presentation on the importance of maintaining emergency preparedness bags. The performances reflected the creativity and awareness of young participants, emphasizing how disaster preparedness can be integrated into everyday life.
A Collective Commitment to Resilience
The Ministry of Internal Affairs extends its appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, and students who contributed to the success of the event.
The commemoration served as a reminder that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility one that demands coordination, investment and public awareness. As the Minister remarked, “Resilience is not built overnight, it is cultivated through consistent effort, collaboration, and the belief that a prepared nation is a protected nation.”
Through continued partnerships and public engagement, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding communities and fostering a culture of preparedness across Seychelles.
The Government of Seychelles proudly announces that once again Seychelles has been ranked Tier 1 in the 2025 United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This marks the third consecutive year Seychelles has achieved the highest ranking, underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to protecting human rights and combating human trafficking in all its forms.
This recognition reflects Seychelles’ proactive and sustained actions to strengthen its national response to trafficking in persons. In advance of the 2025 report, the Government addressed several key recommendations made in earlier assessments, including:
· Providing translators and interpretation services to ensure foreign victims have equal access to justice and protection.
· Establishing a multi-agency task force, composed of Immigration, Employment, and Police officials, which has significantly increased routine inspections to detect and deter trafficking.
· Strengthening coordination between agencies to improve victim protection and streamline prosecution processes.
· Delivering comprehensive training to over 100 social workers, mental health professionals, and frontline officers to better equip them in identifying and assisting victims.
· Introducing exemptions to remove the required fee for migrant workers filing complaints with the Labour Tribunal, thereby improving access to justice.
· Allocating dedicated police and Attorney General’s units to vigorously investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes.
· As of 2025, providing new government funding for victim services, ensuring sustainable resources for long-term support.
In 2024 and2025, Seychelles also recorded a rise in cases involving Seychellois victims of trafficking. Dedicated resources have been allocated to ensure their well-being and protection. This development highlights that trafficking in persons is not a crime affecting only foreign nationals but also one that threatens Seychellois citizens cementing the Government’s determination to safeguard all members of its society.
Alongside these measures, Seychelles is nearing completion of important legislative reforms, including amendments to existing immigration and employment laws as well as the introduction of the forthcoming Smuggling of Migrants Bill. These measures will further reinforce the country’s legal framework, ensuring both stronger safeguards for potential victims and stricter accountability for traffickers.
The Government extends its sincere appreciation to the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Secretariat, as well as to its dedicated national and international partners, whose collaboration has been vital in achieving this standard for the third year in a row.
Director of Trafficking in Persons, Ms. Michelle Sabury, stated:
“Tier 1 status is not perfection nor a final destination; it is proof of accountability and progress in our daily commitment to protect, prevent, pursue justice, and strengthen partnerships. This recognition is the result of tireless teamwork and I extend heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society, international partners and frontline officers whose dedication has made this achievement possible.”
Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, emphasized:
“This recognition is a proud moment for Seychelles and a testament to our collective determination to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. We remain fully committed to ensuring that the fight against human trafficking continues to be a national priority, guided by strong laws, effective enforcement and the spirit of partnership.”
Seychelles reaffirms its determination to build on this success, sustaining efforts in prevention, protection and prosecution to ensure the country remains a safe and resilient society against human trafficking.To see the full report please click the following: https://www.state.gov/.../2025-trafficking-in.../seychelles/
The Minister today visited the Beolière rockfall site, where work is ongoing to stabilize situated above a residential area. The incident, which occurred on the 15th September, prompted the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) to prioritize the area for urgent intervention.
As part of the response, measures such as temporary road closures and the evacuation of nearby residents were implemented to ensure public safety.
During his visit, the Minister met with DRMD officers on site, namely Chief Response Officer Emile Pool and Geologist Jean-Luc Mondon from PetroSeychelles, who briefed him on the progress of the ongoing works. So far, approximately 65 to 70 tonnes of rock have been safely removed with minimal damage to the surrounding area.
The Minister commended the team for their dedication and emphasized the importance of swift action in such situations.
“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority,” said the Minister. “I commend the DRMD and its partners for their hard work and quick response. These efforts are vital in safeguarding lives and preserving critical infrastructures.
The Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, warmly welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Henry Jardine, for a courtesy call.
The meeting highlighted the strong friendship between our two nations, with discussions on boosting cooperation in areas such as anti-trafficking training, maritime security across the Western Indian Ocean, and wider training opportunities for Seychellois.
The United States continues to be a valued and trusted partner as we work together for a safer and stronger future. Ambassador Jardine was accompanied by Mr. Austin Lewis, Political and Economic Deputy Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Seychelles.
The meeting was also attended by Heads of Departments from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Courtesy Call between the Minister of Internal Affairs and the High Commissioner of India
- Honouring Our Prison Officers
- Farewell Courtesy Call of Mrs. Olivia Berkeley-Christmann Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Republic of Seychelles
- Strengthening Partnerships to Tackle Transnational Crime
- Official Launch of the Seychelles Centre of Excellence