Fiji is currently grappling with a significant crisis regarding child safety, as highlighted by Opposition MP Penioni Ravunawa. He pointed out alarming statistics indicating that 68 percent of child abuse cases reported in 2023 involve neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Speaking with FijiLive, Ravunawa, who serves as the Shadow Minister for Health and is also a Church leader, expressed his deep disgust and concern over the societal decline in safeguarding children.
According to the Child Welfare Act National Database, a total of 1,477 child abuse cases were documented this year, with a concerning 73 percent of perpetrators being familiar to the victims. Disturbingly, half of these offenders are immediate family members.
Ravunawa emphasizes the urgency of addressing this crisis, stating, “We need to stop being spectators to this horrifying reality. It is time we raise our voices.” He called for more robust advocacy for children’s issues, emphasizing the importance of educating the public about children’s rights and child protection initiatives.
In light of World Children’s Day and the ongoing campaign against child abuse and neglect, Ravunawa urges society to commit to meaningful actions every day towards ensuring the safety of children, noting that their well-being signifies the future of Fiji and that protecting them is a collective responsibility.
This situation underscores the critical need for community engagement and collaboration to foster a safer environment for children. With concerted efforts from both government and society at large, there is hope for a significant turnaround in preventing child abuse and promoting the rights of every child in Fiji.
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