142 children under State care because they have been victims of abuse – PM

Currently, there are 142 children under State care because they have been victims of abuse and are at risk in their own families and homes.

In his Easter message, Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says despite all the efforts that been made to ensure the full realization of children's rights and to counter all forms of violence against children, they know that the task is not yet complete.

He says we must remain vigilant and multiply our efforts as while the old forms of neglect and abuse still persist, new threats and risks for children arise in the globalized world.

Rabuka says the fight against neglect, physical and emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse and various forms of exploitation that affect our children, is a hard task and delivering real results requires an unwavering commitment.

He says it is also extremely important to combine and coordinate the efforts of individuals, agencies, and organisations, both state and civil society, each according to their role and mandate.

The Prime Minister says children are precious gifts from God and it is our duty to ensure that they are parents, caregivers and leaders to ensure that protected.