A report says Fiji is at the forefront in the Pacific with its social protection programmes, in particular the Care and Protection allowance that reaches at least 5000 vulnerable children.

It’s called the “Child Sensitive Social Protection in Fiji: Assessment of the Care and Protection Allowance Report.”

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar launched it on Wednesday.

Ms Akbar reiterated that child protection and welfare were at the core of the Fijian Government’s policies and programmes.

“Fijian Government continues to pledge its commitment to upholding the children’s rights, including the right to social protection. This commitment is enshrined in the 2013 Constitution of Fiji, where article 37 states that ‘the State shall take reasonable measures to achieve the progressive realization of the right of every person to social security’,” Ms Akbar said.

“Various social protection programmes have been providing income security to poor families, vulnerable elderly, people with disabilities, and children in need. And we continue to strive toward a comprehensive social protection system.”

She said the new report would enable the ministry to make more informed decisions and increase its reachout to the underprivileged children.

While thanking the Fijian Government for its long-standing partnership and commitment to children, UNICEF Pacific Representative Dr Karen Allen said: “We are happy to see the development of Fiji’s long-standing social protection programmes. With its cash transfer schemes for the vulnerable population including poor families, vulnerable elderly and children, Fiji sets an example to other Pacific island countries. The Care and Protection allowance, a targeted cash transfer programme specifically for children, is the first of its kind in the Pacific.

“We are also delighted to see that the Government of Fiji is continuously trying to develop and improve its social protection strategy, not only to extend coverage to more beneficiaries, but also to improve the efficacy of the schemes,” Dr Allen said.

The assessment reported that children were more likely to be living in poverty compared to adults; while the national poverty rate is 30.6 per cent, the poverty rate among children is 35.3 per cent.

Care and Protection Allowance is a social protection scheme specifically targeted at assisting poor and vulnerable children through providing monthly cash allowances and the food vouchers.

The beneficiaries, including children living in single-headed households, children with elderly caregivers, children with disabilities and children in residential care homes.

Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation

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