An international monitoring body has urged the Fiji Government to intensify its measures to progressively eradicate child labor, noting that a considerable number of children continue to be engaged in work despite existing legal frameworks and policy commitments. The latest report from the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations under the Minimum Age Convention highlights that, although Fiji ratified the convention in 2003 and made efforts to align national legislation, significant challenges persist.
Since 2011, there have been 267 reported incidents of child labor in Fiji, involving 196 boys and 71 girls, with five new cases documented in 2024—a concerning statistic that includes four boys and one girl. UNICEF’s 2024 country fact sheet reveals that approximately 17 percent of children aged five to 11 in Fiji are involved in child labor, with boys disproportionately affected compared to girls.
The committee has strongly recommended that the government enhance its programs aimed at eradicating child labor. It emphasized the urgency of reactivating the National Action Plan for 2021–2025 and the National Child Labour Policy, both of which are pending formal adoption and implementation as the review process for the Employment Relations Act (ERA) 2007 progresses.
Furthermore, the committee has requested regular updates from authorities regarding the adoption and implementation of these recommended initiatives, along with comprehensive statistics outlining the nature and trends of child labor, categorized by age and gender. They welcomed the proposed amendments to the ERA, which would raise the minimum working age from 15 to 16 years, expressing hope for the swift adoption of this revised legislation.
This ongoing dialogue underscores a commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in Fiji, marking a positive step towards a future where every child can thrive free from the constraints of labor. As the nation grapples with this pressing issue, there is optimism that with enhanced actions and renewed policies, Fiji will advance toward a society that prioritizes children’s wellbeing and development.