Child abuse cases spike, Ministry revives committee
“We are working with stakeholders to develop a zero-tolerance campaign against violence,” said Ms Kiran.
Thursday 06 February 2025 | 11:58
In response to rising concerns over child safety, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection has revived the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection.
This initiative aims to bolster efforts to protect the well-being of children across Fiji.
During a meeting on Tuesday, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated response to the growing challenges of child protection, particularly given the disturbing statistics on violence against children.
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The National Child Welfare database recorded the following statistics:
- 1477 child abuse cases in 2023, 1968 in 2022, and 1518 in 2021.
- More than 50 per cent of victims were girls, and over half were under the age of 12.
- 68 per cent of reported cases involved neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
- 50 per cent of perpetrators were immediate family members.
- Half of the cases were reported via the Child Helpline.
Additionally, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS Plus 2024-2025) revealed that 80 per cent of children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline in the past month.
Recent data from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions also highlighted the severity of the situation, with the youngest rape victim last year being just three years old, and the youngest accused being 12.
Minister Kiran stressed the importance of the newly formed Department of Children in promoting child protection through programmes, advocacy, education, and policy development.
“We are working with stakeholders to develop a zero-tolerance campaign against violence,” said Ms Kiran.
She also outlined plans to create programmes focused on community capacity building, trauma awareness, positive parenting, and family support systems.
“In the coming months, we aim to implement key legislations, including the Adoption Act (2020), Child Justice Act (2024), and Child Care and Protection Act (2024),” she added.
Minister Kiran also emphasised the need to enhance child protection training, monitoring systems, and partnerships.
The reinstatement of the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection signals a renewed commitment to ensuring that every child in Fiji is safe, protected, and empowered to thrive.
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