Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, recently held a vital meeting with Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children. This significant dialogue occurred during the Pacific Child Wellbeing Summit at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.
The meeting focused on strengthening Fiji’s child protection frameworks. Among the critical topics were the advancement of the Child Justice Act and the Child Care and Protection Act, which are pivotal for enhancing the legal landscape concerning child welfare. Additionally, they discussed the promotion of positive parenting practices and the development of a National Action Plan aimed at both preventing and addressing child abuse effectively.
Central to their discussion was the need for Child-Responsive Budgeting, ensuring sufficient financial resources are allocated for initiatives that support child welfare. Minister Kiran stressed the importance of collaboration among government bodies, civil society, and international organizations as essential to furthering the goals of child protection in Fiji.
This meeting closely aligns with Fiji’s ongoing commitment to child welfare, as highlighted in a previous article about Fiji’s preparation for the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia. The delegation from Fiji, led by Minister Lynda Tabuya, intends to advocate for innovative initiatives, such as care blogs, that offer essential support to caregivers and enhance child welfare.
These discussions and initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need to develop safe and nurturing environments for children in Fiji. They signal a positive movement toward more comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts to improve child welfare in the Pacific region. Together, these actions foster a hopeful outlook for the future of children in Fiji, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect and nurture the next generation.
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