According to the recent US 2025 Trafficking in Persons report, a troubling trend has emerged in Fiji, where children as young as 12 are being forced into sex work. The report indicates that certain Fijian children face risks of both sex and labor trafficking, including situations of domestic servitude. Disturbingly, it highlights that traffickers, including family members, taxi drivers, and foreign tourists, are increasingly preying on these vulnerable youths.
The report outlines that some children are exploited in sex trafficking by their own families, who may resort to these extreme measures to secure essential resources such as food. Additionally, foreign yacht owners dock in rural Fijian islands seeking young women and children for marriage, often leading to further exploitation in forced labor or sex trafficking.
Transport networks, particularly local taxi drivers, are described as facilitators who transport these child victims to hotels or private yachts, responding to requests from tourists seeking commercial sex acts. The report underscores the heightened vulnerability of children to trafficking due to factors such as rising poverty, increased school dropout rates, and climate-induced displacement. The economic fallout from recent natural disasters and the pandemic has further depleted family resources, forcing more children into precarious situations that expose them to trafficking risks.
Despite stringent laws that mandate up to 25 years in prison for child trafficking convictions, the report notes that there have been no recorded convictions in the past year, pointing to significant gaps in proactive investigations, particularly within the tourism sector. This lapse has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to safeguarding Fijian children amidst an escalating crisis.
As recognition of these alarming trends grows, there is a collective call for urgent action from government officials and community organizations. Efforts include better education on trafficking indicators, more effective legal frameworks to protect victims, and enhanced support systems for families in distress. By emphasizing collaboration among various stakeholders, there is hope that positive changes can be made to mitigate these risks and provide safe environments for children in Fiji. Governments, non-profit organizations, and local communities must work together to ensure that every child is protected from the travails of trafficking and exploitation, ultimately fostering a safer and more just society.