The Fiji Police Force has expressed concerns that raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 could lead to increased exploitation of children under the age of 14 by drug syndicates. During a panel discussion surrounding the proposed Child Justice Bill and Child Welfare Bill, Assistant Police Commissioner for Crime, Mesake Waqa, voiced his apprehensions about the potential for criminal organizations to recruit younger children as drug mules.
Waqa highlighted his opposition to the proposed change, emphasizing that such a shift could make children more vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks looking to take advantage of their decriminalized status. This concern was raised during an ODPP Annual Conference held in Sigatoka that focused on changing the age of criminal responsibility for juveniles.
Arieta Tagivetaua, a principal welfare officer at the Ministry of Social Welfare, responded by stating that the ministry is prioritizing rehabilitation for children rather than punishment. She indicated that many of these vulnerable children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are subjected to various child protection issues.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Ben Wildfire added that children used as drug mules are victims of exploitation. He emphasized that the key to addressing this issue lies in connecting these children with supportive services that can remove them from harmful environments and focusing law enforcement efforts on the traffickers who exploit them.
In summary, the dialogue around the proposed legislative changes continues to evolve, with a strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable children while also considering the potential risks posed by organized crime.
It’s crucial to remain hopeful as stakeholders work towards safeguarding young individuals from exploitation while navigating the complexities of legal reform. By focusing on rehabilitation and protective measures, there is an opportunity to empower children and support their development into safer, healthier futures.
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