All violence and abuse against children must be reported - Sharma

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission states that all violence and abuse against children must be unequivocally condemned and reported to the law enforcement authorities.

Chairperson of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Pravesh Sharma says the commission strongly condemns all forms of violence against children, and children are vulnerable because they are dependent on their parents or legal guardians or relatives, to care for and to protect them.

Sharma says the Constitution provides safeguards against acts of violence involving children.

He says section 41(1)(d) of the Constitution guarantees the rights of children to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices or any form of violence, inhumane treatment and punishment.

Section 11 (1) and (2) of the Constitution guarantees that every person has the right to freedom from torture of any kind, whether physical, mental or emotional, and from cruel, inhumane, degrading or disproportionately severe treatment or punishment; and the right to security which includes the right to be free from any form of violence from any source, at home, school, work or in any other place.

Sharma says in 1993, Fiji ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which also ensures that every child has a right to live a life free from all forms of violence.

The Commission encourages the authorities and the community leaders to continue to take a strong stance against child abuse.

If you are facing any issues regarding child abuse or violence, please contact the child helpline, 1325.