5,000 child abuse cases were reported between 2021 and 2023, with more than half of victims under the age of 12.
Minister for Children, Sashi Kiran highlighted this during the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children workshop.
Kiran says according to the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey, 80 percent of children aged between 1 to 14 have experienced some form of violent discipline, while one in five children have suffered severe physical punishment.
She says these numbers tell us clearly that we must do more, our children remain vulnerable, and we must act with urgency.
The Minister says that Fiji has strengthened its legal framework through the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and the Child Justice Act 2024, laws alone are not enough.
She acknowledged the vital role of community leaders, teachers, health workers, police and volunteers, describing them as the heart of the child protection system.
Kiran adds that protecting children is a shared responsibility that requires strong cooperation across all sectors.
