A recent study, commissioned by the Fijian Government in collaboration with UNICEF, has unveiled that violence against children in Fiji incurs an annual cost exceeding $459 million, which equates to about 4.23 percent of the nation’s GDP. This significant finding was shared by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, at the inaugural Global Ministerial Summit to End Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia.
During her address at the summit, Ms. Tabuya emphasized the crucial need for global leaders to prioritize investments in preventive methods that tackle the root causes of violence against children, rather than merely relying on reactive solutions. She highlighted the necessity of shifting resources from responses after violence has occurred to early intervention and prevention efforts.
“We tend to be trapped in cycles where we assume that the best use of available resources is to remove children from their families and communities when they are harmed,” Ms. Tabuya stated. “However, we have come to understand the further trauma such actions can inflict on children, particularly the pain of losing connections with their loved ones.”
She advocated for a focus on understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for abuse, ensuring that children can remain in caring environments provided by responsible family members and community figures, free from violence and neglect.
Moreover, Ms. Tabuya called for a cultural shift within communities to diminish tolerance for violence, which would play a vital role in promoting the wellbeing of children. She warned that neglecting preventive measures will perpetuate cycles of violence that could have lasting social and economic implications for future generations.
“To create meaningful change, we must reshape our priorities, making early intervention and prevention the bedrock of our investments,” she remarked. “Allocating funds to the right areas now will bring immediate advantages and long-term payoffs for the generations to come.”
In addition to implementing legislative measures, highlighting the economic ramifications of violence against children underscores the need for evidence-based approaches to enact sustainable change. Ms. Tabuya asserted that systematic investment in effective interventions could help thwart future instances of violence and lessen both direct and indirect costs for the nation.
This call to action presented by Ms. Tabuya serves as a hopeful reminder that with the right investments and a commitment to prevention, we can foster safer environments for children, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Summary: A study shows that violence against children in Fiji costs over $459 million annually. At a summit in Colombia, Fiji’s minister urged global leaders to focus on preventive measures and early intervention rather than reactive responses, emphasizing the importance of community support and nurturing relationships to combat the root causes of child abuse.
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