Fiji’s Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, recently held discussions with police officials to enhance interagency cooperation and tackle significant social issues affecting the country’s youth. The meeting included key figures such as Rakesh Chand, Director of Community Oriented Policing, and Joseph Hunter, Senior Advisor of the New Zealand Police and Team Leader for the New Zealand-Fiji Police Partnership Program.
The primary focus of the agenda was to strengthen existing interagency committees to improve referral pathways for children involved in legal matters as either witnesses or perpetrators. This initiative aligns with the forthcoming enactment of the Child Protection and Child Justice Bills, which aim to create better coordination and response mechanisms for the welfare of vulnerable children.
Another prominent issue discussed was the alarming increase in drug use among youth and its detrimental effects on communities, particularly for children and families. This concern is echoed in earlier initiatives emphasizing the need for early intervention and integrated support systems for at-risk youth.
Additionally, the discussions opened doors for capacity-building opportunities focused on trauma awareness and recovery, equipping social welfare and police officers with essential skills to address these complex challenges effectively. Minister Kiran highlighted the critical importance of collaboration among various government sectors and community organizations to devise sustainable solutions that not only rehabilitate at-risk youth but also foster a safe environment for all Fijians.
This ongoing collaboration mirrors previous efforts in Fiji, such as specialized training for police officers in child interviewing techniques, which has shown promise in improving the handling of child violence and neglect cases. With international support from agencies like the New Zealand Police, these initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting Fiji’s children and empowering its communities.
This collaborative approach nurtures optimism for a future where children can grow up in safe, supportive settings, signaling a proactive movement towards upholding their rights and well-being in Fiji.
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