Marital breakdowns associated with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are worsening negative outcomes for children in Fiji, according to Talei Cama, a child protection specialist at UNICEF.
In a recent interview, Cama emphasized the need for greater community engagement to tackle these urgent concerns. She pointed out that instability in marriages has direct repercussions for children, as violence and abuse frequently arise from problems related to housing, extramarital relationships, and financial difficulties.
Cama highlighted issues such as the lack of enforcement of maintenance orders, resulting in insufficient funds for families, as well as gaps in remittances where overseas workers fail to send money back home, or when sent funds are mismanaged and not utilized for the children’s welfare.
She stressed that while initial research has uncovered significant issues, further investigation is essential.
Maritino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, recognized the economic advantages of labor mobility but acknowledged the serious challenges it presents, including family separations, educational hurdles, isolation, and the emotional strain on children. Nemani stated that it is crucial to understand these impacts and to begin developing effective strategies to address the problems affecting children.