'Fiji Needs A Child Psychologist'
"We are looking at the interest of the child which is paramount, but in Fiji, who is there to determine the best interest of the child," Mr Kohli questioned.
Tuesday 27 June 2023 | 12:32
Labasa lawyer and Labasa and Savusavu Town Council special chair administrator Ami Kohli during a public consultation at Macuata House in Labasa on June 23,2023. Photo: Shratika Naidu
Fiji needs a qualified child psychologist to ensure juveniles receive fair treatment, as mere lip service won' t suffice.
Lawyer and special chair administrator of the Labasa and Savusavu Town Council, Ami Kohli suggested this during a public consultation at the Macuata House in Labasa last Friday.
The consultation was on the Draft Childcare and Protection Bill 2023 and Draft Child Justice Bill 2023.
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"We are looking at the interest of the child which is paramount, but in Fiji, who is there to determine the best interest of the child," Mr Kohli questioned.
"At the moment you are at the mercy of the Social Welfare Department officers who prepare their report. By legislation you should have a child's counsel which rarely happens.
"Who is qualified enough to hear, not only what the child is saying, but what he or she wants to say and are unable to say."
He said the ability to perceive and interpret what they were trying to say was very important.
"Fiji needs a qualified child psychologist, otherwise you are paying a lip service to a childcare," he said.
"I feel sorry for the language I use, but we need to understand the law that we face."
He claimed that in Fiji there were lots of legislations and provisions, but when it came to implementing it was never there.
"Each division needs to have a child psychologist," Mr Kohli said.
"There is so many child custody cases appearing in the courthouse and for the best interest of the child, we need to provide a fair treatment."
Story by: Shratika Naidu - shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
