The Methodist Church in Fiji is yet to make an official statement regarding allegations that children living in Dilkusha Home in Nausori have been subjected to verbal and physical abuse and neglect.
Our questions regarding the church’s stand and what it is doing regarding the matter which deals with the safety and security of the most vulnerable children remains unanswered.
We are also asking whether the church has established if the allegations are true.
The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Director, Ashwin Raj says the complainant also requested the Commission to investigate the manner in which the present management is running the orphanage, in particular, the use of food rations and other assistance given to the Home by the public and the state.
The Commission lodged an official complaint with the Fiji Police Force in relation to allegations of physical abuse and has also contacted the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Methodist Church who are managing the well-known Home.
Raj says the Commission is independently investigating the complaint and is also urging these institutions to intervene and act swiftly given that it involves children.
We have also contacted the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa who has referred questions to the Director Social Welfare, Rupeni Fatiaki.
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