Headline: Fiji minister urges communities to protect the vulnerable as abuse case prompts call for village-level safeguards
A Fiji government minister appealed for stronger community action to shield children and people with disabilities after a troubling case surfaced at a recent workshop. The incident involved a 15-year-old girl with disabilities who was abused and became pregnant; community leaders reportedly knew of the danger but did not report it to police.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said it is time to reassess community values and how communities function, noting that many victims cannot speak up, which makes identifying perpetrators harder. She highlighted a surge in cases affecting the most vulnerable and underscored the responsibility of every community member to act.
Our community must protect the vulnerable, including people who are mentally challenged and those living with disabilities, Kiran said. “We’ve seen soaring numbers of sexual abuse against children. The most vulnerable, the most voiceless. We call ourselves a spiritual nation, a community nation, but we are failing our children as a nation.”
Kiran called on faith and community leaders to step up, report cases, and develop robust protection mechanisms. She urged the formation of prevention committees in villages to ensure the welfare of the most vulnerable.
“You know what’s happening in your community. That’s why we have Turaga ni Koros, advisory councillors, and Matanitikinas. They must raise these issues and develop protection mechanisms,” she said. “We need prevention committees in villages to make sure the most vulnerable are looked after.”
Cakaulevu Women’s Club president Mereseini Rasiva echoed the call, stressing the responsibility of leaders and villagers to strengthen welfare for the vulnerable. “It’s our responsibility as villagers and leaders to stop this behavior—no one deserves to be treated that way.”
Police are now working with the village involved, and Kiran stressed that perpetrators must face the full force of the law.
Context and added value:
– Similar statements by Kiran in Parliament in recent months have highlighted alarming trends in child abuse, underscoring concerns that without proper rehabilitation and reporting, cycles of violence can persist. These broader remarks emphasize the need for community-based protection programs and coordinated support services.
– The emphasis on village-level structures such as Turaga ni Koros (village counselors) and Matanitikinas (community leaders) aligns with Fiji’s emphasis on local governance in safeguarding children and vulnerable residents. Strengthening these networks could improve early reporting, risk assessment, and access to child protection resources.
Summary:
A Fiji minister calls on communities to intensify protection of vulnerable groups after a case of abuse involving a disabled teen, urging immediate reporting and the creation of village protection mechanisms. The aim is to empower local leaders to identify risks, support victims, and ensure accountability for perpetrators, with police collaboration already in motion.
Possible follow-up and opportunities to add value:
– Coverage on how village protection committees are formed, funded, and monitored; success stories from other communities.
– Profiles of local leaders (Turaga ni Koros, advisory councillors, Matanitikinas) and their roles in child protection.
– Resources and hotlines available for victims and families, including counseling and legal aid.
– Updates on investigations and legal outcomes to illustrate accountability.
Positive spin:
With renewed commitments and structured local protections, communities can transform fear into safety nets for children and people with disabilities. Early reporting, coordinated responses, and strong leadership at the village level offer real hope for reducing abuse and rebuilding trust within communities.
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