The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has voiced serious concerns about the alarming increase in the number of missing children in the country. Commissioner Chantelle Khan highlighted that inadequate coordination and follow-up mechanisms may enable human trafficking and abuse related to drugs to go unseen.
The FHRADC’s worries have intensified following the unsettling discovery of a 15-year-old’s body, which Khan described as “gruesome” and deeply troubling. According to police data, at least 52 children aged between five and 17 have gone missing from 2024 to 2026, with a staggering 35 of these disappearances occurring in 2025 alone, prompting urgent questions about their fates.
Khan pointed out that while some of these cases stem from poor parental supervision, the implications are growing more severe, with fears surrounding human trafficking and children potentially being exploited as drug peddlers. She noted a concerning trend where children visiting relatives during weekends or holidays fail to communicate their whereabouts, leading to difficulties in tracing their return.
She emphasized the lack of a dedicated unit within the police force to address missing children, suggesting the establishment of a national task force to enhance coordination. “Missing children is not solely a police issue,” Khan asserted, urging for a collaborative approach involving families, communities, and institutions.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu echoed these sentiments, stressing the shared responsibility of families and the community in the care of individuals reported missing. “People tend to report missing children to the police and leave it entirely to them to handle the search. While this is part of our role, we need collective action from the entire Fiji community,” he said, highlighting the current disconnect between communities and authorities.
The FHRADC contends that creating a national task force would provide crucial insights into the reasons behind these disappearances and ascertain whether cases are linked to trafficking, drug-related activities, or neglect. Initial discussions have already commenced regarding a stakeholders meeting expected to take place later this year, signalling a proactive step towards addressing this pressing issue. This collaborative effort could bring hope for the families affected and contribute to a safer environment for children across Fiji.
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