Fiji has reported a staggering 1,977 child welfare cases last year through the nation’s Child Helpline and various partner service providers. The majority of these cases—62 percent—were linked to neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, as stated by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, during a recent parliamentary session.
The minister revealed that children are the most affected group in cases of sexual offenses reported annually to the Fiji Police Force. Disturbingly, 63 percent of sexual offenses reported in 2023 involved children, including 29 infants under the age of five. Although this represents a reduction from the 70 percent recorded in 2022, the figures remain alarmingly high.
Minister Kiran highlighted the gravity of the situation by citing a Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey conducted by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, with UNICEF’s support. The survey indicates that 80 percent of Fijian children aged between one and 14 have faced some form of violent discipline in the past month—a statistic that underscores the urgent need for change.
Addressing this critical issue, the Cabinet has recently approved Fiji’s first National Child Safeguarding Policy. This policy is established on firm principles such as zero tolerance towards abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It emphasizes the importance of respecting children’s voices and rights, and acknowledges that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility. The policy seeks to enforce strict standards on institutions working with children and aims to create secure environments in homes, schools, communities, and online. The policy is set to be launched next month.
The minister’s statement follows previous reports detailing the persistent challenge of child sexual abuse in Fiji. Data indicates that while there has been a slight decline in reported cases, from 1,034 in 2022 to 844 in 2023, the issue remains severe. Reports have consistently shown that children are the primary victims of sexual offences, with rape being the most common crime against them.
Minister Kiran and child protection advocates are calling for concerted national efforts to combat this alarming phenomenon, urging reflection and action from all sectors of society. As this new policy is launched, there is hope for more effective protection of Fiji’s children, ensuring their right to a safe and nurturing environment.