Sixteen police officers in Fiji have successfully completed a specialized course focused on child interviewing, a training initiative supported by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection and the New Zealand Police. This program aims to bolster the protection of children in Fiji, enhancing law enforcement’s capabilities to effectively address child violence and neglect, which remains a pressing concern.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran highlighted the urgency of this training, noting that five out of every six children in Fiji have faced some form of violence. Such troubling statistics emphasize the critical need for specialized skills among police officers to combat these issues effectively.
The course is integral to the implementation of the Child Justice Act and the Child Care and Protection Act, which aim to uphold children’s rights and enhance protective measures in Fiji. In collaboration with various government bodies, the Ministry is committed to ensuring that these laws are applied effectively to safeguard the country’s children.
Trained officers are now proficient in the PEACE Investigative Interviewing model and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) child interview protocol. These methods emphasize sensitivity and legal integrity, ensuring that child interviews can contribute to credible evidence in court.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu commended the support received from New Zealand, noting that the training has significantly improved Fiji’s ability to conduct specialized child interviews. He reiterated the dedication of both the Ministry and the Fiji Police Force to ensure the safety and well-being of Fijian children while holding perpetrators of child violence accountable.
The emphasis on specialized training not only highlights a proactive approach to tackling child violence but also reflects a commitment to fostering a safer environment for Fiji’s youth. This initiative stands as a positive step towards creating a society where children can grow up free from fear and harm.
Furthermore, this ongoing partnership with New Zealand underscores a strong collaborative effort, setting a precedent for future training and capacity-building opportunities within law enforcement, ultimately benefiting the most vulnerable members of society.
Leave a comment