If a child under your care is found loitering or living on the streets, legal action will be taken. Protecting our children is not optional — it is both a constitutional right and a moral duty.
That's the clear warning from Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran after concerns raised about children seen selling food until after 10pm at night.
When asked by fijivillage News, Kiran says parents and guardians are their child’s first line of protection, and neglecting this responsibility will not be overlooked.
There has been an increasing number of children found loitering on our streets.
Kiran says if families are struggling, they are here to assist with livelihood options including setting up of income generation options, so they ask you to reach out to the Ministry's offices and they can assist with livelihoods support but using children to earn a living is not acceptable and is an offence.
She says over the past few weeks they have an inter-agency team that has been working with children on the streets.
They have been picking up children, after a shower and a meal, and they have been counselling the children through the support of MSP and Salvation Army.
The welfare officers with the support of police officers have been taking some of the children home as far as Tailevu, warning parents on child neglect.
Some of the children that have been dropped home have returned to the streets and the next step for them is to charge these parents for neglect.
Kiran states that the Ministry together with law enforcement and partners, will continue to ensure every child is safe, protected and given the chance for a better future.
She further highlighted that loitering is an offence under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act (Cap 18).
The law states that any person found wandering or loitering in or near any premises or public place in circumstances suggesting an illegal purpose, or for the purpose of prostitution, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to imprisonment for up to three months.
Kiran adds that children and young people who have been relocated to rehabilitation programs or training centres under the Inter-Agency Exit Strategy Pathway Partnership must not return to street dwelling.
The children who claim they have no families, are placed in rehabilitation programs.
Some of these children are from Rakiraki, Kadavu.
She says some of these children have left these safe homes for street life and the Ministry will be taking stricter measures against them.
Returning to the streets will result in charges under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act.
She stresses to the youth that if you return to street life, you will face legal consequences.
Kiran says loitering is not a path forward — it only sets you back.
She says they should stay committed to their reintegration journey and the opportunities ahead of them.
The Minister is also calling on members of the public to report any child found loitering or at risk.
Please contact your nearest Police Station or the Child Helpline 1325. Your action can save a child from harm and help put them on the right path.
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