As we mark Older Persons Day, data from the Fiji Police Force paints a sobering picture as 27 cases of suicide and attempted suicide were recorded among Fijians aged 60 and above last year.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran highlighted this during her ministerial statement in Parliament.
She stressed that while the numbers this year have come down considerably, every loss is one too many.
Kiran says that behind every number is a story of someone who felt unseen, neglected, or forgotten.
She says it has been noted that crimes against older persons are on the rise.
The Minister says in 2024, 1,945 cases of crime against senior citizens were recorded and 62 percent of these crimes were related to property theft, often committed by people known to the victims, including family members.
She also highlighted that domestic and family violence is increasing, involving caregivers or family members themselves.
Kiran says that it’s not only abuse but also a betrayal of trust.
Kiran affirmed that the Government is determined to act.
She says the Ministry, together with the National Council of Older Persons, is undertaking a review of the National Ageing Policy 2011–2015.
The Minister noted that this policy expired ten years ago, and the review is long overdue.
She says the updated National Ageing Policy will be shaped by the voices of older persons themselves and consulted through the National Council of Older Persons across the country.
Kiran adds that work is also underway to review the National Council of Older Persons Act to address emerging issues and include stronger provisions for the protection of older persons.
The Minister emphasized that communities and families have been primary caregivers for our elders for generations, and these family networks should be celebrated.
She adds that every case of abuse must be taken seriously, and highlighted that more than 100,000 elders are currently being cared for within their families and communities.
Opposition MP Virendra Lal urges the Minister to move beyond rhetorical aspirations and use revenue to decisively resource dedicated workers.
Lal says senior citizens represent collective wisdom and it is a sacred duty of humanity to care for the elderly with compassion.
He says when the traditional family safety net breaks, it is the State’s duty to provide a strong, high-quality and humane safety net.
The Opposition MP emphasized that collecting money and bragging about it is one thing, but translating wealth into meaningful, high-standard care is another entirely.
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