The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) will advocate for harsher penalties for rapists and sexual offenders as concerns grow over the rising severity of such crimes in Fiji.
GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula revealed this after the opening day of the council meeting, saying several members raised concerns that current punishments are too lenient and no longer reflect the seriousness of the offences occurring today.
He says the President of the Methodist Church of Fiji also voiced similar concerns during the meeting, prompting the council to refer the matter to its sub-committee for further deliberation.
Ratu Viliame stresses that Fiji needs a holistic and collaborative approach to effectively address sexual violence.
He adds that the GCC intends to engage with churches, human rights groups, and community stakeholders to develop a united and comprehensive way forward.
