A recent study conducted by the Fijian Government alongside UNICEF has unveiled a staggering annual cost of violence against children in Fiji, totaling over $459 million, which equates to approximately 4.23% of the country’s GDP. This alarming revelation was presented by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, during the inaugural Global Ministerial Summit to End Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia.
At the summit, global leaders were encouraged to prioritize investment in preventive measures that tackle the root causes of violence against children instead of merely focusing on post-violence responses. Minister Tabuya emphasized the necessity for countries to reallocate resources towards early intervention and prevention strategies.
“We often find ourselves caught in a cycle where all efforts are directed towards removing a child from their harmful environment,” Ms. Tabuya stated, highlighting the trauma children experience from losing their familial attachments. She advocated for addressing the underlying issues that lead to abuse, ensuring that children are cared for within their communities by loving family members, free from neglect and violence.
To safeguard children’s wellbeing, Ms. Tabuya called for a cultural transformation that diminishes community tolerance of violence. She warned that neglecting preventive measures would perpetuate the cycle of violence, inflicting social and economic hardship on future generations.
“By reorienting our priorities toward early intervention and prevention, we can build a foundation for sustainable investment,” she asserted. Recognizing that proactive spending can yield immediate and long-term benefits, she further stressed the importance of evidence-based interventions to break the cycle of violence and reduce the associated costs for the nation.
In conclusion, the study not only highlights an urgent social issue in Fiji but also serves as a clarion call for policymakers to rethink their strategies. By investing in the wellbeing of children now, there is a promising opportunity to foster a safer, more nurturing environment that paves the way for healthier future generations.
This article could inspire hope and action, emphasizing that prioritizing preventative measures provides a path toward lasting change and a brighter future for children in Fiji.
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