Japan funds $12.5m project to shield Fiji’s children from drugs

A $12.5 million (USD$5.48 million) project to protect Fiji's children and teenagers from drugs was officially launched on Tuesday at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva — backed by Japan and supported by UNICEF.

The four-year initiative, the Project for Prevention Measures Against Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents in Fiji and Samoa, comes as drug cases in Fijian schools climbed from 2,400 in 2021 to 3,143 in 2025, with police recording 2,446 drug-related cases between May 2024 and May 2025, including 50 involving children.

Japan's Ambassador Hiroshi Tajima said the investment was "a shield for the next generation."

"The drug crisis is complex, but our duty is simple — children must come first," he said.

The project will reach more than 150,000 students, support 10,000 high-risk adolescents and train nearly 3,000 frontline workers — teachers, police officers and healthcare workers — with skills to step in and protect children early.

It will also fund 30 child-friendly service hubs and 45 student-friendly spaces, giving children safe places to seek help rather than turning to drugs.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young said many young people struggle to find support, putting them at further risk.

"Children and adolescents will have a safe place to go when they feel worried or pressured," Mr Young said.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the key was finding children early.

"We will not leave our children at the face of these risks alone. We will find them early, support them early," she said.

Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said for children involved in low-level drug offences, the response must prioritise prevention and recovery over punishment.

"Detentions will always remain a last resort for children," he said.

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