Fiji is facing a significant surge in incest cases involving children, prompting an urgent response from child welfare organizations. Save the Children Fiji has voiced its outrage in light of recent data from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), revealing 30 counts of sexual offenses filed in June 2025, where a staggering 13 out of 14 victims were minors under 18 years.
Shairana Ali, the CEO of Save the Children Fiji, described the situation as “horrific,” stating, “These are our children who are being brutalized, violated, and failed by the very people who should protect them.” The troubling statistics highlight not isolated incidents, but a broader, deeply ingrained crisis that needs urgent, coordinated national action.
Among the shocking cases described by the ODPP is the rape of a 7-year-old girl by her father, alongside disturbing allegations involving other relatives. The organization has made a clarion call for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, as well as increased resources for social welfare and police investigations.
Continue efforts have been urged to develop and expand child trauma recovery services and provide immediate resources for frontline child protection. Save the Children Fiji is imploring the government, religious and community leaders to publicly denounce these crimes, while also urging law enforcement to tackle child sexual offense cases with urgency.
In the light of ongoing efforts, it’s crucial for every member of the community to play a role in prioritizing child safety. Acknowledging that silence or shame can no longer be tolerated, the organization emphasizes the need for collective action to ensure that no child suffers in silence.
As alarming as these statistics are, there is hope through advocacy and community mobilization. Increased awareness and proactive measures could help protect vulnerable children and foster a safer environment for their upbringing. With your help in reporting suspected cases of child abuse, change can happen. Save the Children Fiji encourages the public to advocate for awareness and immediate action, ensuring their voices are heard in this critical fight against child sexual abuse.
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