The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has expressed grave concern over new statistics that reveal a disturbing trend in serious sexual offenses against children in Fiji. In her statement regarding the consolidated figures released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kiran described the numbers as “deeply disturbing and heartbreaking for our nation.”
The collected data indicates a troubling reality: heinous acts of sexual violence against minors are occurring in environments that should provide safety—such as their homes and communities. Alarmingly, the statistics show children as young as four years old have been victims, with alleged perpetrators often being close family members, including fathers, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers.
Among the harrowing cases noted, Kiran highlighted incidents involving a 12-year-old boy charged with the rape of his six-year-old cousin and a 13-year-old charged with assaulting a five-year-old girl from his village. “These are not just statistics; they represent real children whose innocence and trust have been shattered,” she remarked.
As of December 31, 2025, the ODPP reported 126 indictments in the High Court, encompassing 252 counts of serious sexual offenses. A total of 141 individuals were charged, including 20 juveniles. The statistics confirmed that 79 of the 135 victims were children, reflecting a range of offenses including rape, sexual assault, defilement, and incest.
Kiran raised an urgent red flag over the 63 offenses committed within domestic relationships or involving individuals known to the victims, underscoring a deeply rooted issue of silence and stigma surrounding child sexual abuse. “One child abused is one too many,” she stated emphatically.
She emphasized that child sexual abuse is a collective societal concern rather than merely a law enforcement issue. Kiran urged religious leaders, community figures, and educators to engage openly in discussions about child protection, creating safe spaces for these dialogues within churches, schools, and community meetings.
Moreover, she called on parents and caregivers to take children’s disclosures seriously and to foster an environment where children feel empowered to speak out without fear of dismissal or shame. “A child who speaks up is seeking protection, not trouble,” she asserted.
Kiran reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing child protection systems and collaborating with various sectors, including education, health, law enforcement, and civil society organizations, to combat this alarming trend. She advocated for a proactive stance from the community, expressing hope for a future where every child in Fiji can feel safe, heard, and protected.
“Real change begins at home and within our communities,” she stated passionately. “Let us be the generation that refuses to look away; let us build a Fiji where each child is valued and safeguarded.”
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