29 infants among 755 children sexually abused in Fiji last year

Fiji recorded 755 cases of sexual violence against children last year, including 29 infants under the age of five, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran revealed in parliament this morning.

She said the ministry also received 1,977 child welfare cases through the Child Helpline and partner service providers, with 62 percent linked to neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

“The reality is that too many of our children in Fiji remain unsafe today,” Ms Kiran told parliament.

“Children represent the largest victim category of all sexual offences reported to the Fiji Police Force each year. 63 per cent of all sexual offences in the past year were against children, including 29 infants below the age of 5 years, that was a total of 755 cases of sexual violence against children Mr Speaker. In 2022 it was 70 per cent with 34 infants,” she said.

Evidence from the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) shows that 80 percent of children aged 1–14 experienced some form of violent discipline in the past month, with 1 in 5 suffering severe physical punishment, such as blows to the face or repeated beatings.

Rural areas saw 84 percent of children and urban areas 76 percent experiencing corporal punishment in homes.

The minister noted that the Violence Against Children in Fiji Scoping Study, conducted by her ministry with the University if the South Pacific, Fiji National University, and UNICEF support, paint a similar picture, with child abuse and neglect common across Fijian society.

“Each of these statistics represents an actual innocent Fijian child, suffering harm in the places where they should feel the most safe,” she said.

Violence against children is costing the nation an estimated $460 million a year, or 4.23 percent of GDP, Ms Kiran said.
“A child is left traumatised, it takes a toll on their family, on their community and on society at large – which manifests as emotional distress, health burdens, reductions in quality of life and additional financial burdens on households and on sectors responsible for providing services in response to cases of violence.”

National Child Safeguarding Policy

She added that the new National Child Safeguarding Policy, passed by Cabinet, will apply across all Ministries, Departments, NGOs, civil society, faith-based groups, private businesses, schools, community organisations, sports clubs, contractors, and service providers.

“In simple terms: if you work with children, you are bound by this Policy,” the minister said.
“It requires safe environments, risk assessments, child-safe recruitment, staff training, clear reporting systems, and strong disciplinary action.”

The policy complements recent reforms, including the Child Care and Protection Act 2024, the Child Justice Act 2024, and the Adoptions Act.

“The official launch is planned for next month; however, our Ministry has already begun awareness sessions with stakeholders to prepare for the roll-out,” Ms Kiran said.
“Mr. Speaker, this Policy is not only about rules and procedures. It is about building a culture of safety. A culture where children feel secure in their homes, their schools, their villages and their communities. A culture where adults take responsibility, and institutions act quickly and decisively when risks are identified. That is the culture this Government is determined to build. Mr. Speaker, the message of this Government is firm: protecting children is not optional—it is non-negotiable.”