Fears Grow Over Child Exploitation in Drug Trade

The Fiji Police Force has expressed concerns that raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years may inadvertently lead to children under 14 being exploited by drug syndicates as couriers. During a panel discussion on the proposed Child Justice Bill and Child Welfare Bill, Assistant Police Commissioner for Crime, Mesake Waqa, highlighted this fear. He emphasized the potential for criminal organizations to take advantage of vulnerable youth if the legal age for accountability is shifted.

Mr. Waqa’s comments were made in response to a question at the ODPP Annual Conference in Sigatoka, which was centered on the impacts of increasing the age of criminal responsibility. Principal Welfare Officer Arieta Tagivetaua contributed to the discussion by noting the Ministry of Social Welfare’s commitment to rehabilitation rather than punishment. She pointed out that many of these children come from underprivileged backgrounds and face a range of child protection issues that might not lead to direct engagement with the criminal justice system.

UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Ben Wildfire, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that children used as drug mules are victims of exploitation. He proposed that the appropriate response is to provide support to these children and direct law enforcement efforts towards those orchestrating the trafficking, rather than solely holding the children accountable.

A hopeful aspect of this discussion lies in the broader focus on rehabilitation and support for vulnerable children, indicating a move towards a more compassionate and protective framework for youth in Fiji. By addressing the root causes of their exploitation and ensuring that these children receive necessary services, there is a potential for significant positive change in their lives.

This remarkable shift in approach underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and social services to safeguard the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. As the conversation continues, it remains essential to find balanced solutions that prioritize both child protection and community safety.