Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, emphasized that while governmental measures can play a role in reducing the number of homeless children migrating to urban areas, the ultimate responsibility lies with parents and the home environment.
During a recent address, she pointed out that family pressures and various domestic issues significantly contribute to the increasing number of homeless children in the streets. In response to this crisis, a Taskforce has been established to investigate the underlying causes driving children to abandon their homes in search of a better life.
“We have initiated a Taskforce that will explore the reasons behind the rising number of street children. Many of these cases stem from home-related pressures, drug influences, abuse, and parental neglect,” Tabuya noted.
Despite efforts to rescue some children from the streets and place them in rehabilitation facilities, Tabuya raised concerns about the lack of adequately trained professionals to provide proper care for these vulnerable individuals. “While several centers have been established, there are not enough qualified and experienced personnel available to support these children,” she added.
In a discussion with Opposition member Praveen Bala regarding the placement of street children, Tabuya clarified that there are established Regulatory Orders ensuring that when children are relocated to homes, they are appropriately separated based on risk factors and behavioral issues.
The ongoing situation regarding street children is a pressing concern in Fiji, illuminating broader challenges related to homelessness and social inequality across the nation.
This issue calls for timely and effective interventions to not only provide immediate relief but also to address the root causes of homelessness among children. Strengthening family support systems and bolstering the capabilities of rehabilitation centers are pivotal steps forward in ensuring a safer and more secure future for these children.
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