Crisis on the Streets: Fijian Children in Peril

Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, has emphasized that while the government is making efforts to discourage children from migrating to urban areas and facing homelessness, the responsibility ultimately lies with families and their home environments. She pointed to family pressures and other issues as significant factors contributing to the growing number of homeless children in the streets.

To tackle this serious issue, the government has established a Taskforce aimed at investigating the reasons behind the rising number of children living on the streets. Tabuya noted that many children find themselves in this predicament due to various forms of pressure at home, including drug abuse, mistreatment, and parental neglect.

Despite some success in relocating children from the streets into rehabilitation centers, Tabuya expressed concern over the lack of adequately trained professionals available to care for these vulnerable individuals. She highlighted that, while some facilities have been established, there is a pressing need for more trained staff to support these children effectively.

In response to questions about the placement process of street children, Tabuya confirmed the existence of a Regulatory Order that ensures safety by properly separating at-risk children from those who may pose a threat to them.

The rising number of homeless children in Fiji is a stark reflection of broader social issues, including homelessness and social inequality, which require urgent attention and action from both the government and the community.

In a hopeful note, the government’s initiative to form a Taskforce demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges head-on, indicating a potential for positive change in caring for the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.

Summary: Minister Lynda Tabuya highlighted the growing concern of homeless children in Fiji, attributing it to family pressures and societal issues. A Taskforce has been created to investigate the situation, while the government faces challenges in providing adequate care through rehabilitation centers. This initiative reflects a commitment to finding solutions to homelessness and social inequality.