Collaboration key to protecting vulnerable people: Kuruleca

Stronger collaboration between families, communities and Government agencies is needed to protect elderly people and vulnerable individuals living on the streets.

Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection acting permanent secretary for Selina Kuruleca made the comment following a social media post highlighting a mother and her son who have been sheltering at a bus stop in Nakasi.

Ms Kuruleca said the family was known to the Ministry and had received assistance on several occasions, including accommodation through the Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART) programme and placement at St Vincent Home.

She said welfare officers visited the family again last week after they returned to the streets to assess their circumstances and identify further support.

"I wish to assure members of the public that this family is known to the Ministry and has received assistance on several occasions," she said.

"The Ministry is committed to working with the family and relevant stakeholders to identify appropriate and sustainable solutions that will ensure their safety, dignity and wellbeing."

Ms Kuruleca also urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information about vulnerable people on social media, stressing the importance of verifying information and protecting individual privacy.

She said compassion, integrity and kindness must guide public discussions about people experiencing hardship.

"Addressing homelessness and the needs of vulnerable individuals cannot be the responsibility of Government alone," she said.

"It requires stronger collaboration and a collective commitment from families, communities, faith-based organisations, civil society and relevant Government agencies."

She particularly appealed to families to take responsibility for elderly relatives and loved ones experiencing psychosocial challenges.

"Our elderly deserve to live their later years with dignity, surrounded by love, compassion and care," she said.

She added that people experiencing mental health challenges, domestic violence, violence against children and other forms of hardship needed understanding, patience and appropriate support.

Ms Kuruleca said families remained the first line of care and protection, with Government and charitable organisations complementing the support provided by loved ones.

She also encouraged faith-based organisations, community groups and charitable institutions to work closely with Government agencies to reach people living on the streets.

"As a society, we must move beyond expressing concern on social media and translate that compassion into meaningful action," she said.

Members of the public who encounter individuals or families experiencing homelessness, neglect or hardship can report cases through the Ministry's Social Protection Toll-Free Helpline 1561, available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm.

Other support services include the Child Helpline 1325 and Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Helpline 1560. Reports can also be made at the nearest Ministry office, police station or health facility.

Ms Kuruleca said timely reporting would allow welfare officers to assess individual circumstances and coordinate appropriate assistance.

"Let us build a Fiji where compassion begins at home, where families care for one another, and where no vulnerable person is left behind," she said.