Parliament approved two significant pieces of legislation last night: the Child Justice Act 2024 and the Fiji Child Care and Protection Act 2024. Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, emphasized that these new laws represent a transformative shift in Fiji, moving away from outdated perspectives that contributed to persistent crime rates and left children’s rights unprotected.
Tabuya highlighted the Act’s primary goal of reducing recidivism among children by equipping them to become responsible citizens through supportive measures. She pointed out that the legislation is grounded in research and scientific understanding of the factors that lead children to offend. A key feature of the new Act is its emphasis on diversion strategies and the elevation of the age for criminal responsibility, which work in concert with the Fiji Child Care and Protection Bill to provide a holistic approach to child welfare.
The Child Care and Protection Act lays a strong foundation for safeguarding children’s rights and well-being in Fiji. It introduces essential protections from abuse and neglect and aims to foster nurturing family settings for children to flourish. By raising the age of criminal responsibility and focusing on diversion, the Child Justice Act ensures that children’s voices are heard and that the root causes of their interactions with the law are addressed.
In her address, Tabuya made a heartfelt plea to her colleagues in the Ministries of Police and Justice to embrace the cultural and policy changes necessary under this new framework. She stressed the importance of police officers being trained to engage effectively with children and to collaborate with her staff on diversion efforts. Moreover, she stated that the Ministry of Justice must prioritize the education of legal professionals and law enforcement on the principles of the new Act.
This development marks a hopeful and necessary shift towards a more compassionate and just system for young people in Fiji, ultimately fostering a safer environment for children to grow and thrive in.
In summary, the Child Justice Act 2024 and the Fiji Child Care and Protection Act 2024 represent crucial advancements in children’s rights and welfare in Fiji, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment and forging a path towards a safer, more supportive society.
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