Fiji Faces Unsettling Truth: A Third of Children in Labor

Recent findings from the MICS Plus 2024-2025 survey indicate that a worrying 34% of children aged 5 to 11 in Fiji are engaged in child labor. This statistic, revealed by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, coincides with World Day Against Child Labour, highlighting the nation’s commitment to eliminating this issue.

The report notes that many children resort to labor to support their families, often at the expense of their education. The Ministry warns that child labor not only disrupts children’s learning but also jeopardizes their well-being and deprives them of a safe and happy childhood. The long-term implications are severe, as child labor limits opportunities for growth and learning, ultimately stunting children’s potential.

In response, the Ministry is urging families to reconsider sending young children to work, particularly in street vending, where they face risks of exploitation. They emphasize that support is available for parents, including livelihood training and job opportunities, to help alleviate economic pressures that contribute to child labor.

The government is actively collaborating with various stakeholders through the Child Labour Taskforce, which includes the Fiji Police Force, to monitor and prevent child labor. Additionally, they are enhancing the National Coordinating Committee for Children to strengthen laws, raise awareness, and develop policies focused on children’s rights.

The survey also coincides with alarming statistics from previous reports, which indicate that around 72% of children in Fiji have faced violence in some form. Notably, the economic implications of child labor and violence against children are significant, costing the nation approximately $460 million annually, or about 4% of Fiji’s GDP.

This data presents both challenges and opportunities. It underscores the critical need for comprehensive interventions to address child labor and violence. On a hopeful note, there is potential for collaborative efforts among policymakers, community stakeholders, and families to foster a safer and more supportive environment for children in Fiji, ultimately leading to an empowerment that could transform their futures positively.