The Ministry of Social Protection is calling on members of the public to respect the privacy and dignity of older persons and other vulnerable groups amid concerns over unauthorised filming and the sharing of videos on social media.
The Ministry says it strongly condemns the recording and publication of vulnerable individuals without their informed consent, warning that such actions can be harmful and may not present the full circumstances of those involved.
This is following recent videos shared online of elderly people seeking assistance.
The Ministry says Social Welfare officers immediately carried out welfare assessments and the video did not fully reflect the individuals’ circumstances, with both cases already known to support services and receiving forms of Government and other assistance.
It says it is particularly concerned that some individuals featured were unaware they were being filmed or that their personal situations would be shared publicly.
The Ministry is reminding content creators, social media administrators and members of the public to act responsibly, obtain consent and consider the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals before posting such content.
The Ministry says trained Social Welfare officers should be allowed to conduct proper assessments to verify needs and connect individuals with the appropriate support services.
The Ministry says Government continues to support older persons through the Social Pension Scheme and other social protection programmes which assist thousands of Fijians.
However, it says Government support is intended to complement and not replace the care and responsibility of families and communities.
Minister Sashi Kiran says older persons deserve to live with dignity, security and respect.
Kiran says caring for elderly loved ones is first and foremost a family and community responsibility, while Government assistance plays an important supporting role.
She says Government assistance cannot replace the compassion, attention and care that families should provide.
