The National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Children 2026-2031 has been endorsed by Cabinet, with the Government expected to launch the plan this month as part of efforts to strengthen child protection across Fiji.
This has been revealed by Minister for Women, Children, Social Protection and Cohesion Sashi Kiran after MP Alipate Tuicolo questioned what actions are being taken by the Ministry to prevent violence against children.
She says the plan will provide a coordinated national framework to strengthen the prevention of and response to violence against children.
She says the Department of Children has completed the regulations for the Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and the Child Justice Act 2024, which are now at the final stage of legal vetting.
Kiran says regulations have also been developed for the Sexual Offenders Register, established under the Registration of Sex Offenders Act 2021, which has yet to become operational.
Kiran says the Ministry is also continuing the nationwide rollout of the National Child Safeguarding Policy, launched in October 2025 which promotes shared responsibility for child safeguarding across the public and private sectors, particularly organisations and institutions that work with children or provide services to them.
This includes continuous safeguarding training for personnel, faster regulation of safeguarding complaints and increased awareness programmes.
She says many organisations, including sporting bodies, are already actively implementing the policy.
Kiran says the Ministry has also revived the National Coordinating Committee on Children to ensure child protection efforts are coordinated and monitored across different sectors.
She says the Ministry continues to work with the Fiji Police Force, schools, health services, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to identify children at risk and ensure those experiencing violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation receive timely assistance.
This includes assessment, counselling, safe placement and other necessary interventions.
Kiran also highlighted the National Child Helpline 1325, which provides a free, confidential 24-hour service for children and adults across Fiji.
The Minister also highlights they have launched the Bebo Parenting App, a free digital resource providing guidance to parents and caregivers from pregnancy until their child reaches six years of age.
She says the helpline allows children to seek counselling, protection or emergency intervention, while also enabling neighbours, relatives and teachers to report suspected cases of abuse early.
Kiran says these initiatives demonstrate the Ministry's commitment to strengthening Fiji's child protection systems through legal reforms, safeguarding policies, positive parenting and coordinated support services.
However, she stresses that protecting children cannot be left to Government alone stressing, parents and guardians must actively supervise their children, including their digital activities, while maintaining open communication so children feel safe to speak up when something goes wrong.
Kiran says child protection is a collective responsibility that must extend to homes, schools, villages and settlements.
She also acknowledged UNICEF Pacific for its support in developing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Children 2026-2031.
Kiran also urged families to remain vigilant and protect their children, particularly during the current dry period, as she wished Fijians a joyous Diwali and called on everyone to collectively ensure that every child is protected from violence.
