Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya yesterday reiterated the comments of the Prime Minister that authorities have zero-tolerance on crimes against children and perpetrators would face the full brunt of the law and the victims will be given justice. Mr Koya said the Government was becoming increasingly and seriously concerned with the safety of children.

“Child abuse cases are sadly on the rise, it has been stated that 54 per cent of the total child abuse cases that are reported are sex crimes,” Mr Koya said.

“I wish to reiterate children are the future of Fiji and we will not let any harm come to them. However, it is sad that a child is not even safe in their own homes. It is not acceptable under any circumstances for you or any children around you to be assaulted and abused in a sexual or any other way. And if it happens, it is your duty to report it to the Police because only by adopting a position of zero- tolerance can we have any hope as a nation of dealing adequately with this crisis.

“It is my call to all parents that as we are in the holiday season and as we approach the festivities it is your first responsibility that your child is safe.” Source: DEPTFO News

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