A new initiative aimed at curbing drug use among children and adolescents is set to launch in Fiji. This ambitious four-year project plans to establish 30 child-friendly service hubs and 45 student-friendly spaces, funded by the government of Japan. The initiative comes at a pivotal time when officials are increasingly concerned about the scarcity of counseling and rehabilitation services available to young people.
Hamish Young, the UNICEF Pacific representative, stressed the crucial need to enhance community-based support structures that provide safe venues for children to seek help. While he acknowledged the positive reforms brought by the Child Justice Act 2024, he also noted significant gaps in counseling, rehabilitation, and diversion services.
“We are witnessing an alarming increase in the exposure of young people to unsafe homes, exploitation, and drug-related harm,” Mr. Young remarked during the project’s launch in Suva. He emphasized the urgent requirement for stronger community support to identify risks at an early stage, fostering an environment where families can access assistance before problems escalate.
This initiative responds directly to a concerning rise in drug-related incidents in Fiji. Police reported 2,446 incidents between May 2024 and May 2025, with 50 of those cases involving children. In 2023, schools documented 3,500 instances of substance abuse, highlighting the critical demand for preventive measures within the community.
The initiative will also provide training for parents and caregivers to enhance their communication and support skills, aiming to foster safe home environments where children and adolescents can feel secure and seek help.
“UNICEF is dedicated to ensuring that every child and adolescent in Fiji can grow up in a healthy, safe environment, free from the dangers of drugs,” Mr. Young affirmed. This commitment reflects a hopeful vision for strengthening resilience and support within Fijian communities, paving the way towards a brighter future for the nation’s youth.