Save the Children Fiji is calling on families and communities to take greater responsibility for protecting children from violence following two recent tragedies involving children.
The organisation says the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy in Wailoku, which Police are investigating as an alleged murder, has shaken the nation and should prompt everyone to ask whether enough is being done to keep children safe.
It says this comes only days after another family was devastated in Sigatoka, where a father died following an violent assault in which his 16-year-old son was also assaulted and seriously injured.
Save the Children Fiji says these incidents should not simply be treated as stories that people read, feel sad about and then forget, but should serve as a call to action for parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbours, teachers, faith leaders, community leaders and young people.
Save the Children Fiji says children need adults who notice when something is wrong and homes where violence is never accepted as normal.
The organisation says children should also know that when they feel frightened, threatened, hurt or unsafe, there is someone who will listen to them, believe them and take action.
Save the Children Fiji is urging parents and caregivers to know where their children are and who they are with, speak to them every day, and listen when they say they are uncomfortable or afraid.
It says parents should teach children that violence is never the answer to anger or disagreement, while communities should also look out for vulnerable children, particularly those who may not have adequate supervision.
The organisation says Fiji's strong sense of family and community should be used to ensure people look out for one another's children and do not ignore signs that a child may be in danger.
It stresses that protecting children is not the responsibility of one organisation, government ministry, school or the Police alone, but is everyone's responsibility.
Save the Children Fiji says every child has the right to be safe and deserves to come home safely.
