In response to escalating concerns surrounding child safety, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection has reactivated the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection. This initiative is designed to enhance the protection of children’s welfare throughout Fiji, addressing intensifying challenges in this area.
During a recent meeting, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, highlighted the immediate necessity for a coordinated effort to tackle the alarming statistics regarding violence against children. The National Child Welfare database reported 1,477 cases of child abuse in 2023, a decline from 1,968 cases in 2022 but still significantly concerning, particularly given that over half of the victims were girls and many were under the age of 12. Disturbingly, 68% of these cases involved neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, with around 50% of perpetrators being immediate family members.
Further emphasizing the severity of the issue, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys indicated that 80% of children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline within the preceding month. Notably, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions revealed the tragic reality of child abuse, citing that the youngest rape victim last year was only three years old.
Minister Kiran asserted the vital role of the newly established Department of Children in advancing child protection through various programs, advocacy initiatives, and policy development. She mentioned the intention to launch a zero-tolerance campaign against violence and to implement community-focused programs aimed at building capacity, raising trauma awareness, and promoting positive parenting along with family support systems.
In the upcoming months, the Minister indicated plans to enforce crucial legislations, including the Adoption Act (2020), the Child Justice Act (2024), and the Child Care and Protection Act (2024). Additionally, she underscored the need for improved child protection training, monitoring systems, and collaborative partnerships.
The revival of the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection marks a significant step toward ensuring the safety and empowerment of every child in Fiji, instilling hope for a future where children can thrive free from violence and abuse. The collective commitment to child protection represents a bright possibility for transformative change in the lives of vulnerable children across the nation.
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