The shift of childcare responsibilities for migrant workers’ children to extended families raises concerns about potential risks of child abuse. Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), emphasized the importance of seriously addressing the protection and welfare of children left in such arrangements.
He highlighted a troubling trend where children left in the care of extended family members are vulnerable to abuse. “There are instances where child safeguarding measures have failed, leading to cases of abuse not only in the context of the PALM scheme but also as children move from rural to urban areas for education, which can expose them to issues like human trafficking,” he noted.
Bhagwan urged churches and civil society organizations to step in and provide necessary support to ensure the safety and wellbeing of families, children, and partners left behind when workers migrate. He called for a reconsideration of internal systems across Pacific nations that send workers abroad for employment.
He referenced a UNICEF-led study evaluating the effects of the PALM scheme on families in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, which brought important insights for religious and civil society groups. “While anecdotal evidence has guided discussions, comprehensive research now highlights the vulnerabilities faced by children in extended family settings,” he explained.
Bhagwan pointed out that Fiji has a history with migrant worker programs, referencing the deployment of soldiers for peacekeeping and athletes competing overseas. The situation varies, as some workers take their families while others do not, indicating a need for adaptable support models.
He recognized the strong cultural and social frameworks within communities and raised concerns about the monitoring of behavior when individuals are removed from these environments. He suggested that traditional groups, such as women’s and men’s fellowships, can play a significant role in providing support to those left behind.
Additionally, he mentioned the importance of financial support where necessary, noting that mechanisms exist in similar situations, such as peacekeeping tours, to ensure that remittances reach families.