The Methodist Church in Fiji has relieved the Superintendent of the Dilkusha Home in Nausori from her duties for the next three weeks.
This was confirmed to fijivillage by the General Secretary of the Methodist Church Reverend Iliesa Naivalu who says this will allow the Church’s Department of Social Services to complete their investigations regarding alleged abuse of children at Dilkusha Home.
Reverend Naivalu says the church owns the Home and also deals with the staffing.
He says the committee which is investigating the allegations of abuse will complete their investigation this week and they expect to receive a report this weekend.
The General Secretary says they are working together with the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, the Department of Social Welfare and the Police in this matter.
Reverend Naivalu adds if the investigation proves that the allegations against the Superintendent are correct, then they will terminate her from her role as the Head of the Home.
The Director of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Ashwin Raj says the complainant has 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.
Raj says the Commission has 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.
Meanwhile, Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway.
