Fiji is currently grappling with a significant child protection crisis that is being exacerbated by issues such as drug addiction, abuse, and family breakdowns. The alarming realities were brought to light by Police Narcotics Bureau Officer Usaia Ratakele, who expressed that the silence surrounding these issues is profound. Ratakele highlighted two distressing cases involving grandfathers allegedly raping their own granddaughters, aged just four and five, stating that these incidents illustrate a “rotting society.”
The rise of drug use, particularly marijuana, has been flagged as a gateway to harder substances like ice, heroin, and cocaine. Ratakele warned that, once individuals start using drugs out of curiosity, the situation tends to escalate rapidly. He emphasized a critical failure occurring at home, where parents often neglect their responsibilities. His concerns are echoed by UNICEF and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, which released a report showing that 81% of children aged 1 to 14 experienced violent discipline last year.
Adding to the crisis, statistics reveal that 15% of youths between 15 and 24 in Fiji are unemployed, leading to increased pressures that exacerbate violence and neglect behind closed doors. Arieta Tagivetaua, the Director of Social Services, underscored that the social and economic repercussions of violence and neglect are costing Fiji approximately 4.23% of its Gross Domestic Product. She noted that many young people are becoming disconnected from their families, with the search for love and peace leading them toward dangerous situations.
This ongoing crisis emphasizes the necessity for community engagement and parental responsibility. Previous articles have similarly underscored the troubling trend of children being used by parents for drug trafficking, extending the issue beyond urban areas. Leaders such as Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, have stressed the importance of collective community involvement in tackling these challenges.
There is hope that through concerted efforts—where families and community members take proactive roles in safeguarding their children—Fiji can steer its youth away from the clutches of drug abuse and violence, ultimately fostering safer environments for future generations. Engaging communities to take action can create a supportive atmosphere, where families are empowered to combat these adverse conditions and prioritize their children’s well-being.
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