The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has raised alarming concerns regarding the abuse of elderly citizens within the country. Recent complaints reveal deeply troubling incidents, including an 87-year-old woman who was reportedly assaulted by her own children and left homeless, abandoned at the Commission’s office. In another case, an elderly woman languished in a public hospital’s stress ward for months due to family neglect.
Director Loukinikini Lewaravu highlighted that these incidents are not isolated. She pointed out a disturbing pattern wherein elderly parents commonly face neglect and mistreatment after transferring their assets to their children. Reports of elderly individuals receiving stale food, being denied medical care, and having their social welfare allowances misused underscore a crisis of care and morality. Lewaravu noted that these actions are unacceptable betrayals of trust, constituting abuse on multiple levels.
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed, she emphasized that every older person deserves to live in safety and dignity, free from harm and neglect. There is an urgent need for a collective societal response to combat elder abuse. Lewaravu called on the public to remain vigilant and responsive to signs of mistreatment within families and communities.
This issue of elder abuse resonates with the larger national discourse surrounding the treatment of older citizens, echoed by officials such as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran. Kiran has also reported that the majority of abusers tend to be the victims’ adult children, stressing the importance of vigilance in recognizing and reporting these incidents. Statistics reveal that one in six individuals aged 60 and above suffer from some form of abuse.
The government is actively working to create a culture of respect and care for the elderly, evidenced by initiatives aimed at fostering community involvement and awareness. The collective effort of government officials, community leaders, and citizens is essential to address this pressing issue and improve the lives of older citizens in Fiji. There remains hope that through these initiatives, the situation for the elderly can improve, promoting a society that values the wisdom and contributions of its senior members.
By focusing on compassion, respect, and dignity, Fiji has the potential to cultivate an environment where older individuals are cherished and safeguarded, thus ensuring a brighter future for its elderly population.
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