The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has urgently emphasized the need for a National Taskforce on Missing Persons to address the pressing issue of missing children and vulnerable individuals. The Commission advocates that these cases should be treated primarily as protection emergencies, rather than just criminal matters.
Human Rights Commissioner Chantelle Khan highlighted that the proposed taskforce should involve collaboration among various entities, including government agencies, traditional leaders (Vanua), civil society organizations, and faith-based groups. Such cooperation is essential for ensuring a coordinated, trustworthy, and community-focused approach to respond to these critical situations.
“The establishment of a National Taskforce would enhance early reporting and rapid response,” Khan stated. The Commission underscored the necessity of a child-centered and preventive multi-sectoral approach, advocating for swift procedures for reporting missing children, and strong coordination between Police, Social Welfare, Education, Health, and community response services. Additionally, mechanisms for early intervention and safeguarding in both schools and communities are vital.
The risks faced by missing children, such as violence, sexual exploitation, forced labor, substance abuse, and long-term psychological trauma, are significantly heightened by factors like poverty, family breakdown, and inadequate support services. Khan urged that these cases be treated as emergencies requiring immediate action, rather than solely criminal investigations.
She further stressed the importance of intensifying efforts against drug networks, organized crime, and trafficking while enhancing family support services to combat violence and neglect. The importance of improving data collection and public awareness, along with protecting the privacy and dignity of victims and their families, was also emphasized.
As Fiji is a State Party to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Commission pointed out that the nation has an obligation to respond diligently from the moment a report is received. This includes conducting immediate searches, effective investigations, and safeguarding victims and their families, a right that cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
The Commission warned about the dire consequences when prevention or protection frameworks fail. In such instances, the state is required to act swiftly to mitigate serious risks to life. “Any delay in addressing these failures or removing life-threatening situations is a violation of Fiji’s international obligations,” Khan affirmed.
In a united call to action, the Commission urged state authorities, communities, families, and organizations to collaboratively safeguard children and vulnerable individuals from harm, stressing that every child deserves protection from violence, exploitation, and criminal exploitation. Khan concluded with a powerful reminder that protecting the most vulnerable is a fundamental duty of the nation, emphasizing that “no child should be left unprotected.”