Human Rights Commission calls for national taskforce on missing children

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is calling for the establishment of a National Taskforce involving Government, the Vanua, civil society and faith-based organisations to improve early reporting and coordination in missing persons cases.

The call comes amid growing concern over the number of children reported missing in Fiji and follows the discovery of the body of a 15-year-old student who had been reported missing from Tamavua-i-Wai outside Suva since Christmas Eve.

The commission says this highlights the serious risks associated with delayed or uncoordinated responses to missing persons cases.

According to Fiji Police Force records, about 52 missing persons cases have been reported since 2024, all involving children aged between five and 17.

In a statement, the commission said a child-centered, preventive and multi-sectoral approach was urgently needed, including rapid response procedures and stronger coordination between Police, Social Welfare, Education, Health and community services.

Human Rights Commissioner Chantelle Khan said early intervention mechanisms were critical to preventing harm and improving outcomes for missing children.

“Fiji is obliged under national laws and international conventions to act with urgency in missing persons cases,” Ms Khan said.

“The commission calls on authorities, communities and families to work together to protect children and vulnerable persons. The safety of children and vulnerable persons must be a national priority.”

Ms Khan said the commission had identified several risk factors contributing to children going missing, including neglect, domestic violence, organised crime, the drug crisis, trafficking, online grooming, mental health challenges, school disengagement and climate-related displacement.

She warned that missing children face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, forced labour, substance abuse and long-term trauma.

The commission said a coordinated national response would help address the root causes of disappearances while ensuring justice and support for victims and their families.