Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has expressed deep concern regarding a recent social media video that shows a child being given alcohol to drink. This disturbing incident has prompted her to collaborate closely with the Fiji Police Force to investigate the situation further.

Kiran emphasized that the dissemination of such content is severely troubling, as it represents a grave violation of Fiji’s Child Protection Act 2024. The Minister underscored the fundamental right of every child to be loved and protected, emphasizing that adults and caregivers are expected to provide this care, not subject children to harmful behaviors.

The public has been urged by Kiran to avoid sharing such harmful content online and instead report any concerning behavior to the relevant authorities, reinforcing the collective responsibility in safeguarding children’s welfare. The Ministry is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to ensuring that appropriate actions will be taken to address the incident.

This situation highlights the ongoing issues of child welfare in Fiji. Alarmingly, earlier reports revealed that around 72% of children in the nation have experienced some form of violence, whether physical, emotional, or sexual. Such statistics point to a serious need for community awareness and education against harmful parenting practices.

In previous statements, Kiran has also called attention to the importance of healthy parenting techniques, particularly among younger parents who may lack support. She advocates for open discussions regarding the risks associated with alcohol consumption within families, as well as educating parents on non-violent disciplinary methods.

This incident, while distressing, presents an opportunity for fostering community awareness and initiating educational programs aimed at promoting responsible upbringing practices. By working together, families, community leaders, and authorities can create an environment that ensures not only the safety but also the nurturing growth of children in Fiji. The goal is to cultivate a society where every child can thrive without fear, becoming an integral part of a hopeful future.