Fiji has marked a significant advancement in child protection with the Cabinet’s approval of the country’s first Child Safeguarding Policy. This pivotal policy establishes a comprehensive framework designed to protect children across various sectors, filling a critical gap in the nation’s efforts to safeguard child welfare. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasized the government’s dedication to shielding every child from abuse in schools, institutions, homes, and communities.
The newly approved policy stands on key guiding principles: zero tolerance for abuse, child-centered approaches prioritizing the rights and voices of children, shared responsibility among individuals and organizations, and strict accountability for failures in child safeguarding. These principles underpin the government’s commitment to a holistic protective environment for children, leaving no room for negligence or excuses.
Development of the policy involved extensive consultations across government agencies, the National Coordinating Committee for Children, civil society partners, private sector representatives, and community groups. This concerted effort reflects the unified approach Fiji is adopting to address child protection comprehensively.
The policy not only fortifies existing legislative frameworks such as the Child Justice Act and the Child Care and Protection Act but also aligns Fiji’s protection measures with international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. With the prior passing of foundational legislation and continuous collaboration with international partners like UNICEF, the policy promises more integrated and effective child protection systems.
Through the implementation of this policy, Fiji aims to enhance coordinated training and reporting mechanisms, support trauma-informed practices, and foster positive parenting. A broader reform agenda is expected to translate these commitments into a National Action Plan, backed by robust monitoring systems and community involvement. These efforts signal a hopeful advancement towards creating a safer and more nurturing environment for all children in Fiji, ensuring their safety, resilience, and opportunity to thrive.