Fiji is being urged to establish a comprehensive mechanism to assess the extent of online abuse, exploitation, and violence involving children. This recommendation comes from Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, who recently visited the country for discussions with Women, Children, and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran, as well as other key stakeholders.
Dr. Najat highlighted the ongoing initiatives concerning children’s engagement in gangs and issues related to drugs, but she pointed out a significant gap in data on the prevalence of online child abuse. She noted that there are alarming criminal elements utilizing vulnerable children for illicit drug operations and other unlawful activities.
Emphasizing the necessity of supporting children, Dr. Najat encouraged stakeholders to address the vulnerabilities faced by young people, ensuring they have access to essential services. This approach should run parallel to efforts aimed at tackling and prosecuting the criminal gangs involved in these exploitative activities.
The conversations around child protection in Fiji echo concerns recently raised by Minister Kiran, who presented troubling statistics indicating an increase in reported cases of child sexual abuse in the first half of 2024. These findings revealed a societal crisis, where children are at risk of various forms of violence, including physical and sexual abuse. Furthermore, Minister Kiran discussed plans to improve reporting mechanisms and expand support services for affected children.
In light of these discussions, there is a growing collective recognition of the need for stricter regulations surrounding children’s online interactions. Previous initiatives led by Minister Lynda Tabuya emphasize the importance of safeguarding children from potential dangers associated with social media and increased screen time.
This proactive stance from both the government officials and international representatives signals a hopeful direction for enhancing child safety in Fiji. With collaborative efforts from various sectors, there is a strong potential to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being and protection of children from violence and exploitation.
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