Fiji’s Child Crime Crisis: What’s Behind the Rising Numbers?

The Fiji Police Force has reported a concerning rise in the involvement of children in criminal activities, with statistics revealing 503 cases of juvenile sexual offenders in the last five years, including 206 cases of rape. This data was disclosed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, during the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Annual Conference held at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island resort.

Waqa expressed serious concerns over a proposed legislative change that would raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years. This proposal was introduced by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, during a recent meeting with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.

While Waqa acknowledged the international trend toward increasing this age, he cautioned that it could have significant repercussions for both community safety and the Fiji Police Force’s operations. He noted that such a shift might lead to a decrease in accountability for serious offenses committed by children aged 10 to 13, potentially fostering a greater sense of impunity among young offenders.

Emphasizing the necessity of a balanced approach, Waqa remarked on the importance of integrating rehabilitation and accountability within the juvenile justice system. He stressed that collaboration among families, communities, the government, and various stakeholders is crucial to protect Fijian children. Waqa argued that maintaining accountability is key to promoting positive behavior and ensuring effective deterrents against juvenile crime.

This situation presents a critical opportunity for the Fijian community to come together and find effective ways to support children at risk, emphasizing prevention, education, and rehabilitation over punitive measures. By fostering a cooperative environment, Fiji can work toward creating a safer and more nurturing atmosphere for its youth.

In summary, the increase in juvenile criminal activity in Fiji underlines the urgency for a balanced approach to juvenile justice, with a collective focus on community responsibilities and rehabilitation.