The Fiji Police Force has raised concerns over an increasing number of Fijian children becoming involved in criminal activities. Over the past five years, police data shows that there have been 503 recorded cases of juvenile sexual offenses, including 206 cases of rape. This alarming trend was highlighted by Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, during the Annual Conference of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions held at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island resort.
Waqa pointed out the implications of a recent proposal by the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, to shift the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years. This change, although aligned with international trends, poses significant challenges regarding community safety and juvenile accountability in Fiji.
Waqa emphasized the need to balance rehabilitation and accountability within the justice system for children. He warned that raising the age of criminal responsibility could lead to an environment where children aged 10 to 13 could engage in serious offenses without facing immediate legal consequences, potentially emboldening them.
To address these challenges, Waqa stressed the importance of a collaborative approach involving families, local communities, the government, and other stakeholders in safeguarding children. He called for any changes to be accompanied by measures ensuring accountability and rehabilitation.
It is essential for the community to come together to foster positive behaviors among young individuals. By working collaboratively, there is hope for a more supportive environment that guides children towards choosing constructive paths, ultimately reducing the rates of juvenile crime in Fiji.
Summary: The Fiji Police Force is concerned about the rising involvement of children in criminal activities, with significant cases of sexual offenses reported. The proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility sparks a debate about the balance between rehabilitation and accountability. Collaboration among families and local communities is deemed essential to protect children and guide them towards making positive choices.
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