The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has raised alarms over child safety following an attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl near Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Suva on Ash Wednesday. Commission Director Loukinikini Lewaravu expressed her concern, noting that this troubling incident may not be isolated and could reflect a wider pattern involving children in Fiji.
Reports indicate that the girl was approached by an unknown woman who attempted to persuade her to leave with her. When the girl resisted, the woman allegedly tried to grab her, but a bystander intervened, successfully preventing a potential tragedy. This incident has prompted the Commission to call for heightened vigilance from parents, guardians, and teachers to monitor children’s movements closely, especially during their commutes to school or in public areas.
Lewaravu emphasized the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children. She highlighted the urgent need for the Fiji Police Force to increase their presence in urban centers and school zones to deter such incidents. A meeting with Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu was held to discuss these concerns and advocate for a stronger police presence in areas frequented by children.
The Commission pointed out that this incident underscores a broader issue of domestic human trafficking in Fiji, where children remain particularly vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including forced labor and sexual abuse. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Fiji is committed to upholding, calls for the protection of children from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
Furthermore, the Commission urges families, schools, and communities to educate children about personal safety and how to identify unsafe situations. Empowering children with knowledge and confidence to speak out in threatening circumstances is deemed crucial in preventing further abductions.
This recent incident resonates with prior concerns raised about child safety in Fiji, echoing similar cases where children have faced risks due to inadequate supervision. The community’s proactive engagement in ensuring child safety is vital and has been echoed by law enforcement officials in previous reports. While these incidents are concerning, they also offer a critical opportunity for increased awareness and collective action to foster a safer environment for children in Fiji.
Ultimately, by working together—families, schools, community organizations, and authorities—Fiji can nurture a safer and more supportive atmosphere for its youngest citizens, instilling hope for a future where children can thrive without fear.
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