Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, engaged in important discussions today with key officials, including Rakesh Chand from the Community Oriented Policing division and Joseph Hunter, a Senior Advisor with the New Zealand Police and Team Leader of the NZ-Fiji Police Partnership Program. This meeting was aimed at enhancing interagency collaboration, particularly in providing better support for vulnerable children involved in legal and social welfare cases.
With the imminent enactment of the Child Protection and Child Justice Bills, the focus of the discussions centered on creating more effective referral pathways for children affected by criminal activities, whether as victims, witnesses, or perpetrators. The need for improved coordination and timely interventions was underscored to ensure that every child receives the care and protection they need.
A growing concern addressed during the meeting was the rising incidence of drug use among youth and its detrimental impact on families and communities. The stakeholders emphasized the importance of early intervention and the development of integrated support systems to tackle these pressing issues.
Additionally, the dialogue explored potential capacity-building opportunities, especially in trauma awareness and recovery training for both social welfare and police officers. Minister Kiran acknowledged the significance of these partnerships, stating that establishing stronger networks and properly equipping frontline workers is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable populations, including children, women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
This collaborative effort reflects previous initiatives aimed at enhancing child protection in Fiji, such as specialized training for police officers in child interviewing, which has already demonstrated a positive impact on law enforcement’s capability to address child violence and neglect. The ongoing partnership with New Zealand has served as a cornerstone for successful training and capacity-building efforts, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to creating a supportive and safe environment for its youth.
The proactive approach being taken by the Fiji government, in conjunction with international partners, fosters hope for a transformative future where children can grow in safe, nurturing spaces, unhindered by fear or hardship. Such developments signify a constructive movement toward ensuring the rights and welfare of children in Fiji are upheld and prioritized.
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