Shifting the responsibility of caring for the children of migrant workers to extended families carries potential risks of child abuse. Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), emphasized the importance of serious attention towards the responsibility and protection of these children.
He noted an increase in instances of child abuse perpetrated by extended family members when children are left unsupervised. “It’s critical to ensure that families do not simply assume these arrangements without thorough consideration,” he stated.
Bhagwan highlighted alarmingly inadequate child protection measures that have led to abuse cases beyond the PALM scheme, particularly when children move from rural to urban areas for schooling. Issues like human trafficking also complicate these situations.
He underscored the need for churches and civil society to support families and children left behind. “We must examine our internal systems within Pacific countries that are sending workers abroad,” he added.
A UNICEF-led study examining the effects of the PALM scheme on families in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands has further highlighted concerns for church and civil society organizations. While anecdotal evidence has been previously discussed, this research brings attention to the vulnerability and protection of children in extended family settings.
Bhagwan pointed out that Fiji has experience with migrant worker programs, citing the deployment of soldiers for peacekeeping and athletes playing overseas. He suggested that those in such positions often weigh options regarding taking their families along, providing models for examining this issue.
He recognized the strong cultural and social guidelines present in communities and questioned who would oversee behavior when individuals are removed from those environments. As a potential solution, he proposed that community groups, like women’s and men’s fellowships, could play a supportive role for families left behind.
In discussing maintenance and support for these families, he referenced the established systems in Fiji that ensure remittances flow back home when individuals are sent on peacekeeping missions.