Government targets underage children selling food at night
It is understood that some parents send their children to sell food at these locations during the evening.
Friday 07 August 2026 | 06:00
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection says, it is stepping up efforts to tackle the growing problem of underage children selling food on Suva’s streets at night.
This trend has persisted despite many ongoing intervention programmes it has already implemented.
Concerns have been raised time and again after children were seen selling food at popular kava bars and entertainment spots in Suva.
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Some claim they were fundraising for various purposes.
It is understood that some parents send their children to sell food at these locations during the evening.
Sashi Kiran said the ministry was working with other agencies to monitor the situation.
“In each town, we’re trying to mobilise police, market rangers and others to do that,” said the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection.
The ministry has assisted some of children, but the problem remained.
“Sometimes they’re warned, sometimes we help them out, yet some are still on the streets, and we are trying to get to them,” she said.
The issue had persisted for years and the ministry, together with relevant authorities and stakeholders, continue with efforts to address it.
