The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is actively advocating for the urgent formation of a National Taskforce focused on addressing the alarming rise in cases of missing children across the nation. Since the beginning of 2024, reports reveal that at least 52 children aged between five and 17 have been reported missing to the police, highlighting significant flaws in existing child protection measures.
This urgent call to action follows the tragic discovery of the body of a 15-year-old student in Tamavua-I-Wai last month. The child was reported missing on Christmas Eve, just a few days before the grim finding, which underscores the critical need for swift intervention and comprehensive strategies.
Human Rights Commissioner Chantelle Khan emphasizes that missing children should be regarded as protection emergencies rather than merely law enforcement issues. She advocates for a child-focused and preventive framework, calling for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, social welfare, educational institutions, healthcare services, local communities, faith-based groups, and civil society organizations.
Khan believes that establishing a national taskforce would facilitate early reporting, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and create efficient and clear procedures for responding when a child goes missing. The commission recognizes that children may go missing for various reasons, including domestic violence, neglect, organized crime, drug issues, trafficking, online grooming, and mental health problems.
The risks these children face are severe, encompassing violence, sexual exploitation, forced labor, substance abuse, and long-term trauma. To combat these issues effectively, the commission is urging the state to bolster its efforts against drug syndicates and organized crime, while simultaneously enhancing family support services and safety measures within schools and communities.
The commission stresses Fiji’s legal and international obligations to take prompt action, citing commitments made under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The appeal extends to families, communities, and civil society, encouraging collective efforts with authorities to ensure that no child is left vulnerable to harm. The overarching goal is a safer, more protective environment for all children in Fiji, signaling a hopeful pathway toward improved child welfare and safety.
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