“Is Your Child Safe at Home? Shocking Warnings from Fiji’s Minister for Women and Children”

According to Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women and Children in Fiji, sleepovers with family members are increasingly unsafe for children. During a press conference on International Human Rights Day, she voiced her concerns about the safety of children in Fiji, indicating that her ministry is facing new challenges in safeguarding child welfare.

Ms. Tabuya highlighted a troubling rise in reports of child neglect, connecting these issues to a spike in violence and sexual harassment. She emphasized that parental supervision is critical and noted that the ministry has seen an uptick in cases of neglect and abuse, which she attributed to inadequate supervision.

Her advice to parents and guardians is to keep children at home after dark and to be aware of their whereabouts. Ms. Tabuya stressed the importance of fostering a secure family environment and reducing screen time to protect children.

Addressing the issue of street children, she mentioned the ministry’s success in removing many from the streets but acknowledged that rehabilitation poses a significant challenge. Many of these children face drug addiction issues, necessitating clinical support and efforts to reconnect them with their families and communities.

Despite the urgent concerns, Ms. Tabuya pointed out the positive developments among children in Fiji, noting that many are thriving and following the law within supportive family structures. However, she warned that unsafe home environments, where abuse often occurs at the hands of family members, remain a critical problem that needs urgent attention.

In conclusion, Ms. Tabuya called for a collective effort to make homes safer for children, so they can experience love, acceptance, and nurture from their caregivers.

This article serves as a reminder of the importance of child safety and the need for communities to actively engage in creating secure environments for children. While challenges persist, the focus on positive community involvement can lead to meaningful change and better outcomes for future generations.