Fiji has taken a substantial step forward in bolstering child protection by securing Cabinet approval for its inaugural Child Safeguarding Policy. This landmark policy introduces a comprehensive framework to protect children across different sectors, bridging a significant gap in the nation’s child welfare initiatives. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, affirmed the government’s pledge to protect every child from abuse, be it in educational settings, institutions, homes, or within communities.
The policy leans on fundamental guiding principles: zero tolerance for abuse, approaches centered on children that prioritize their rights and voices, shared responsibility among both individuals and organizations, and firm accountability for any lapses in safeguarding. These principles reinforce the government’s aim to establish a thorough protective environment for children, eliminating any possibilities for negligence or justification.
Extensive consultations were carried out in the policy development process, involving various government bodies, the National Coordinating Committee for Children, civil society allies, private sector participants, and community assemblages. This collective effort underscores Fiji’s unified approach to comprehensively tackle child protection issues.
This policy not only strengthens existing legislative frameworks like the Child Justice Act and the Child Care and Protection Act but also ensures Fiji’s alignment with international duties under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Building on previous legislation and ongoing collaboration with international entities such as UNICEF, the policy sets the stage for more cohesive and efficient child protection systems.
Fiji aims to enhance coordinated training and reporting structures, support trauma-informed practices, and promote positive parenting as the policy is enacted. A broader reform agenda seeks to manifest these commitments into a National Action Plan, underpinned by rigorous monitoring and community participation. These efforts signify a promising move towards establishing a safer, more nurturing environment for all children in Fiji, ensuring their safety, resilience, and opportunities to flourish. The initiative embodies a hopeful prospect for the nation’s future by laying a strong foundation for the well-being and protection of its younger generation.