Fiji is intensifying its efforts to combat the troubling rise of online child sexual exploitation. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica announced in Parliament the establishment of a National Taskforce dedicated to addressing this issue. One of the primary focuses of the taskforce is the creation of an Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Unit within the police force, demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding children from online threats.
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics that have been highlighted in recent discussions. For instance, in 2023 alone, Fiji reported over 3,600 cases of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These reports underscore the severity of online child exploitation and the necessity for immediate action.
The taskforce is heavily supported through international collaboration, with UNICEF and the Australian Government conducting a mapping study to assess Fiji’s current response measures. In addition, a study mission to Australia is planned to gather insights from recent reforms in combating child exploitation.
Mr. Kamikamica has urged that internationally recognized terminology such as Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM) be adopted instead of terms like “child pornography,” which can underplay the severe impacts on victims. He stressed the importance of accurate language to reflect the gravity of the situation and to keep the focus on protecting vulnerable individuals.
Efforts to address these challenges are not just limited to legislative and enforcement measures. There is a call for a collective community response to protect children both online and offline. This includes being mindful of the types of images and videos shared online, particularly those that might portray children in a vulnerable state.
Overall, with these combined efforts, there is hope that Fiji can make significant strides in creating a safer online environment for children, ensuring their protection from exploitation and abuse. As these initiatives progress, the focus remains on building a cohesive and robust system to prevent such crimes and uphold the safety and dignity of all children in Fiji.