A new initiative is set to combat drug use among children and adolescents in Fiji through a comprehensive four-year project that aims to create 30 child-friendly service hubs and 45 student-friendly spaces. Despite progress with the Child Justice Act 2024, which introduced various positive reforms, UNICEF Pacific representative Hamish Young highlighted that counseling and rehabilitation services remain scarce.
Launched in Suva, Young emphasized the critical need for a prevention-focused approach, as more young individuals grapple with unsafe home environments, exploitation, and risks associated with drug use. With police reporting a troubling increase in drug-related incidents—totaling 2,446 from May 2024 to May 2025 and including 50 cases involving children—there is an urgent need for enhanced community support. Schools also noted 3,500 cases of substance abuse in 2023 alone.
As part of the project, caregivers and parents will receive training to develop effective communication and support skills, enabling them to assist children in navigating their worries and pressures. Young expressed optimism, stating, “This means that children and adolescents will have a safe place to go when they feel worried or pressured.”
UNICEF’s commitment remains steadfast in ensuring every child in Fiji can thrive in a healthy, safe environment, free from the harms of drug addiction. This project is not only vital for providing immediate assistance but lays the groundwork for a healthier future generation.
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