In recent weeks, concerning statistics on suicides and attempted suicides in Fiji have raised alarm, as reported by the Fiji Police Force. These figures were criticized for failing to consider the differences in population sizes across ethnic and age groups, which can lead to misleading comparisons. For instance, the iTaukei population in Fiji is roughly double that of Indo-Fijians, which complicates straightforward comparisons of suicide numbers between these groups.
To conduct proper international comparisons, organizations like the World Health Organization and the World Bank utilize the measure of suicides per 100,000 individuals. By applying this metric, it becomes evident that Fiji is experiencing a severe suicide crisis that demands accountability from its social and political leaders. Notably, the data suggests that Indo-Fijians, particularly older male Indo-Fijians, are more affected by suicides than their iTaukei counterparts.
Recent weeks have drawn attention to this social issue, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day. Fiji’s Minister of Health, Dr. Lalabalavu, has made parliamentary statements on the matter. Public figures such as Hassan Khan and Jeremaia Merekula have also shared comprehensive insights into the suicide crisis, emphasizing the need for primary prevention strategies rather than just mitigation.
Khan highlighted the inaction of the National Council for Older Persons over the past decade, criticizing its slow bureaucratic processes. As a vice president of the Asia Pacific Forum on Families International and a member of several councils, Khan’s insights are critical to national discussions on this issue.
The Fiji Police Force has provided alarming statistics on suicides and attempted suicides, broken down by ethnicity, age, and gender. The data from 2019 to 2023 indicates that proper collaboration between social leaders and the Fiji Police Force Statistics Department is essential to enhance data collection and analysis. This will facilitate evidence-based policy formation and effective national strategies for suicide prevention.
Analysis reveals Fiji’s national average suicide rate stands at 9.6 per 100,000 from 2000 to 2019, lower than rates in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and India. However, significant disparities exist, especially regarding Indo-Fijians, whose average suicide rate skyrockets to 28 per 100,000, positioning them among the highest globally, while the iTaukei rate is notably lower at 5 per 100,000.
The suicide crisis predominantly impacts older Indo-Fijians, with rates much higher than the national average. Data shows that among Indo-Fijians aged 20 to 54 and those over 55, the suicide rates are 34 per 100,000, highlighting a critical vulnerability in these demographics. In contrast, the iTaukei suicide rates for these age groups remain substantially lower.
Additional analysis indicates that older Indo-Fijian females face significantly elevated suicide rates, with the figures increasing from 6 per 100,000 in younger age groups to 22 among those over 55. Males also exhibit alarming rates, with 50 per 100,000 in the 20 to 54 group, reflecting an urgent issue within the community.
The Fiji Police data offers insight into reasons behind these tragic outcomes, with a significant percentage of cases remaining classified as “not known.” An alarming portion of recorded suicides is associated with partner problems and family pressures. The majority of self-harm attempts were found to stem from domestic roles and student life.
Fiji Police data emphasizes the methods of self-harm, indicating that chemical ingestion, involving poisons, is a prevalent means among Indo-Fijians. This highlights the need for stricter controls on access to harmful substances. The ongoing high rates of suicide among the Indo-Fijian community raise questions about historical, demographic, and societal factors contributing to their psychological vulnerability.
Social organizations, both religious and communal, must take a proactive stance in addressing this critical issue, especially in light of the ongoing emigration of younger people leaving elders without support. As Fiji grapples with this ongoing crisis, the collaboration of social leaders and government agencies is crucial to mitigate the challenges and foster a supportive environment for all communities.