The Fiji Police Force has raised concerns over a notable increase in criminal activities involving children, revealing that over the past five years, there have been 503 recorded cases where minors were identified as sexual offenders. This alarming statistic includes 206 instances of rape. These details were disclosed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime (ACP) Mesake Waqa during the Annual Conference of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions held at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island resort.
ACP Waqa specifically addressed the potential implications of a proposed legislative shift regarding the age of criminal responsibility, which would move the threshold from 10 years to 14 years. This proposal was presented by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, during a recent meeting with the United Nations Special Representative on Violence Against Children.
While acknowledging that similar reforms have been adopted internationally, ACP Waqa expressed concern about the impact this could have on both community safety and the operation of Fiji’s justice system. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between rehabilitation and accountability in handling juvenile offenders, noting that lowering the age of criminal responsibility might inadvertently lower the accountability of children aged 10 to 13. This change could lead to a rise in serious offenses, as such minors might feel emboldened to commit crimes without immediate legal repercussions.
ACP Waqa advocated for a constructive deterrent approach to prevent continued criminal behavior among young individuals, stressing that raising the age limit could undermine the roles of families and communities in guiding children toward positive decisions. He called for a collaborative effort involving families, local communities, the government, and various stakeholders to better safeguard children in Fiji, emphasizing the necessity of integrating accountability and rehabilitation within any reforms made to the justice system.
In summary, the Fiji Police Force’s rising concerns about juvenile offenses highlight the urgent need for a balanced approach to legislative changes regarding criminal responsibility as it pertains to young offenders. By fostering collaboration among families and community members, there is hope that efforts can be made to guide children toward positive behaviors and ensure their safety, thus creating a safer environment for all Fijians.
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