In the first half of 2024, Fiji recorded 324 instances of child sexual abuse, a concerning figure highlighted by Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran during a Parliamentary session. She noted that this statistic translates to an average of 54 cases each month, with rape being the most frequently reported crime against children.
Kiran stressed that any child who endures such trauma is one too many and called for collective reflection and shame as a nation. She pointed out that these numbers pose serious questions about the integrity of family structures and the country’s commitment to addressing this significant issue going forward.
The data presented by Kiran, drawn from reports by the Fiji Police Force covering the years 2021 to 2024, shows a troubling trend: 729 cases were recorded in 2021, which rose to 1,034 in 2022 before dropping to 844 cases in 2023. Additionally, a United Nations expert underscored the critical need to prioritize children’s rights in the upcoming developments and regulations surrounding the internet and digital products. Mama Fatima Singhateh indicated a rise in online threats to children, including grooming and exploitation.
Kiran also revealed that data from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions showed the average age of child sexual abuse victims over the past six years was just two years old, with the youngest victim being only six months old. Alarmingly, the average age of the youngest perpetrator was just 12 years old. She reported that three out of five rapes involved children, and 23 births per 1,000 females were to those under the age of 18.
The situation demands urgent attention, and Kiran emphasized the need for proactive measures to confront these disturbing realities. She acknowledged the discomfort these revelations might cause but insisted they highlight a pressing issue that cannot be ignored.