Over 3,600 cases of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were reported from Fiji in 2023. This was disclosed by Minister for Communications and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica during a parliamentary session where he provided insights on the National Taskforce to Address Pornography.
These cases were reported to the United States National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Kamikamica explained that the Cyber Tipline, operated by NCMEC, acts as the American national resource for leads related to child sexual exploitation. Under U.S. law, electronic service providers registered in the country are required to report suspected CSAM, grooming activity, and explicit images or messages intended for children.
According to Kamikamica, NCMEC recorded 3,638 suspected cases of child sexual exploitation material from Fiji this year.
He emphasized that the creation of the National Taskforce showcases the Coalition Government’s resolute commitment to addressing this critical issue. “This is a proactive move towards safeguarding our communities and protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” he stated, highlighting the Taskforce’s focus on tackling what is now referred to as online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA).
The Deputy Prime Minister also urged parents and guardians to enhance their vigilance regarding the content they share online involving children. He stressed the importance of not posting images or videos of children inappropriately dressed, noting the potential for such content to be misused by those with harmful intentions.
Kamikamica called for collective efforts to protect children in both physical and digital spaces.