Fiji Takes Bold Steps to Protect Its Children: A New Era of Support and Healing

A recent training session in Nadi, organized by Fiji’s Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, has brought renewed focus to creating a judgment-free environment for child victims of crime. Led by UNICEF mental health expert Dr. Koen Sevenants, the program emphasizes the necessity of qualified personnel in handling child abuse cases to encourage affected children to openly express their experiences and emotional challenges.

This initiative is critical as statistics in Fiji highlight that one in three girls and one in five boys have suffered from physical or sexual abuse. In light of these alarming figures, Minister Sashi Kiran reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these issues with initiatives, including a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse and substance misuse. As awareness grows, it is expected that more cases will be reported, underscoring the need for a robust support system for children to facilitate their recovery from trauma.

Over the course of the week-long training, Dr. Sevenants and participants concentrated on the emotional development of children, providing insights into the profound pain often associated with traumatic experiences, including bereavement. The initiative aims to empower children, guiding them toward becoming emotionally healthy and productive adults.

This program represents not only a strategic move towards enhanced child protection but also marks a significant step toward creating a nurturing environment for vulnerable youth in Fiji. By providing community counselors with advanced therapeutic skills—including art, music, and sports therapy—this effort seeks to endow professionals with effective tools to assist at-risk children.

Plans to extend this training to Lautoka and the Northern Division further indicate the commitment to establishing a comprehensive network of well-prepared counselors, dedicated to offering continuous psychosocial support and fostering healing and well-being among children throughout Fiji.

The ongoing commitment to improving child protection and support in Fiji is a hopeful sign of progress, reflecting a broader dedication to the welfare of future generations.