Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of homeless children in Fiji. She emphasized that while the government can take several measures to deter children from leaving their homes for urban areas, the primary responsibility lies with the parents and home environments.
Tabuya identified various pressures and family issues as significant contributors to the rise in street children, noting that a newly formed Taskforce is investigating the underlying causes. Some of the factors identified include domestic pressure, drug abuse, violence, and parental negligence.
Although some children have been successfully removed from the streets and placed in rehabilitation centers, Tabuya admitted that there is a shortage of trained professionals equipped to care for these vulnerable youth. She highlighted the importance of regulatory measures to ensure that children are safely placed in separate homes, distinguishing those who are at risk from those who may pose a danger to them.
This situation has sparked urgent calls for further action in addressing the plight of street children in Fiji, shining a light on broader issues of homelessness and social inequality faced by the nation.
In summary, the government’s acknowledgment of the issue and the establishment of a dedicated Taskforce is a positive step toward addressing the root causes of child homelessness. With focused efforts and additional resources, there is hope for a future where every child in Fiji can find safety and support within a nurturing environment.
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