Last year alone, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection received 1,977 child welfare cases through the Child Helpline, with 62 percent involving neglect, physical, or sexual abuse.
This was revealed by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran during her Ministerial statement in Parliament this morning about the National Safe-Guarding Policy.
She says data also shows that 80 percent of children aged 1 to 14 have experienced violent discipline, highlighting an urgent child protection crisis.
Kiran reveals this as the cabinet passed Fiji’s first national child safeguarding policy, which aims to protect every child from violence and exploitation in homes, schools, communities, institutions, and online spaces.
She says the policy was developed through wide consultations with government agencies, civil society, private sector representatives, and community groups, with technical support from UNICEF.
Kiran adds that the key guiding principles include zero tolerance for abuse, a child-centred approach that respects children’s voices and rights, shared responsibility across society, and accountability for safeguarding failures.
The Minister says children remain the majority of sexual offense victims in Fiji, including many infants under five years old.
She adds that the economic cost of violence against children is significant, estimated at over 4 percent of Fiji’s GDP annually.
She adds that the policy establishes national standards that require safe environments, risk assessments, child-safe recruitment practices, comprehensive training, and clear reporting mechanisms.
She highlights that all institutions working with children including schools and community organizations must adapt the policy to their contexts to ensure practical implementation.
Kiran says the policy aligns with the Child Care and Protection Act 2024, the Child Justice Act 2024, and the Adoptions Act, strengthening Fiji’s legal framework for children’s rights.
She confirms that awareness sessions are already underway ahead of the policy’s official launch next month.
The government is urging leaders across all sectors, families, and communities to work together to create a culture of safety where children are protected, heard, and respected.
Member of Opposition Virendra Lal says that while the policy has been welcomed as a major step forward, concerns remain over its implementation.
Lal identifies key issues as the lack of a dedicated budget to support the new Department for Children and the National Child Helpline, the need for extensive training of teachers, nurses, police, and community leaders, and the urgent requirement for more social workers and counselors, particularly in rural and maritime areas.
He adds that accountability measures must be clear and enforced, with strict penalties for institutions and individuals who fail to comply or neglect reporting abuse.
Lal also highlights that the policy calls for ongoing monitoring with targets aimed at reducing child abuse cases, ensuring it drives real social change rather than just increasing reporting.
He urges the government to move swiftly from policy promises to concrete, well-funded actions to safeguard Fiji’s children.
