Shairana Ali, CEO of Save the Children Fiji, highlighted the urgent necessity for stronger protective measures, enhanced education for parents and caregivers, and greater support for children facing abuse or at risk. Her remarks were made during the commemoration of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Day.
According to statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), there has been a troubling rise in child abuse and neglect cases, with over 200 reported incidents of child sexual abuse and more than 300 cases involving physical abuse or neglect in 2023. Ali emphasized that these figures represent real children with unique stories and pain, rather than just mere statistics.
She urged the community to be active participants in combating this serious issue, stating, “We cannot afford to be passive bystanders in the face of this crisis.” Ali emphasized the organization’s ongoing efforts to support families, raise awareness, and advocate for robust child protection legislation.
The call to action extended to government agencies, law enforcement, NGOs, educators, community leaders, and families. Ali pointed out the need to change societal attitudes toward child abuse, which often go unreported due to fear, shame, and a lack of understanding about what constitutes abuse.
Ali insisted on the importance of educating communities on recognizing signs of abuse and the need for open discussions about these sensitive topics. It is crucial to encourage dialogue surrounding child abuse at all societal levels, moving away from a culture of silence and taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable children.
The hopeful message is clear: by uniting our efforts and remaining vigilant, we can foster an environment where every child feels safe, loved, and has the opportunity for a hopeful future. Ali’s poignant reminder calls on us all to take responsibility for the well-being of children and to speak up when we see or hear something amiss. Together, we hold the power to create change and support families in their time of need.
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