Fiji is making significant strides to enhance the protection of children from online abuse and exploitation. The Ministry of Trade is exploring the country’s accession to the Lanzarote Convention, a European treaty focused on preventing child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali has stated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to align Fiji’s child protection measures with international standards and to improve legal frameworks for addressing exploitation comprehensively. Concurrently, Fiji’s involvement in the WeProtect Global Alliance reflects its commitment to combating online child abuse on a global scale.
Ali emphasized the dual nature of the internet, which provides valuable learning and social opportunities for children but also poses serious risks. “This is why we are taking action,” he remarked, pointing to the establishment of Fiji’s National Task Force to combat pornography, which aims to tackle online child sexual exploitation and abuse through a collaborative national effort that includes various ministries and civil society organizations.
Efforts to strengthen cybercrime investigations are underway, with the Ministry reviewing existing laws and regulations to bolster protections in today’s digital age. Ali noted that a multi-agency approach is crucial for success, involving partnerships across justice, education, law enforcement, and civil organizations to create a safer online environment for future generations.
In line with these developments, a previous recommendation from UN Special Representative Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid underscored the importance of establishing a comprehensive mechanism to assess online abuse in Fiji. Her insights highlight an urgent need for data on the prevalence of such abuse, emphasizing the vulnerabilities that children face amid growing concerns of exploitation, particularly linked to criminal gangs.
With these ongoing initiatives, there is a collective recognition and hopeful momentum towards enhancing child safety in Fiji, demonstrating a unified effort among government officials and community stakeholders to foster a secure environment for children. By actively addressing these challenges, Fiji aims to protect its youth while facilitating a positive and empowering digital experience.
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