Residents of Lautoka are calling on authorities to take stronger measures to shield children from exploitation in drug-related activities. Community members assert that minors are often unwittingly involved, serving as carriers of illegal substances without their consent.
Recent consultations revealed troubling instances where children have been manipulated into transporting drugs. Stakeholders emphasized the need for a dual approach that not only empowers communities to protect themselves but also ensures that legislation is in place to prevent the criminalization of susceptible youth. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for support networks aimed at rehabilitation for those affected.
Selwa Chand, the Manager of the Lautoka Girmit Center, highlighted a particularly concerning case from a local school involving a young girl who carried marijuana in her backpack, having been directed by adults. This incident underscores the necessity of differentiating between youth and adults in legal frameworks addressing drug offenses. “Because they are vulnerable young children, we have to be very careful,” spoke Chand, illustrating the innocence of the minors involved.
Natalie Raikadroka, a legal officer at the University of Fiji, emphasized the importance of community, NGO, and church networks as safety nets for vulnerable young individuals. She warned against the danger of isolating users, which could exacerbate their drug dependency. “How will they properly rehabilitate if the community is not there to catch them?” she questioned, calling attention to the delicate balance required between maintaining community safety and providing rehabilitation for those in need.
Inspector Jemesa Lave from the Ministry of Policing highlighted alarming statistics regarding drug-related issues in schools, noting legal limitations that hinder efforts to protect children. He advocated for more stringent laws that would hold adults accountable for exploiting children for drug trafficking. “In 2013, there were around 3,600 cases in schools. We need to respond to those… laws should criminalize adults who are using young children for drugs,” Lave stated.
Community members maintain that a proactive approach, which includes safeguarding children and ensuring rehabilitation pathways for adults, will help to keep youth safe, strengthen community bonds, and protect vulnerable individuals from falling through the cracks of the justice system. There is a hopeful sentiment that these proactive measures can lead to a healthier future for the younger generation.
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