STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL PROTECTION, HON. SASHI KIRAN
The consolidated statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on formal indictments filed in the High Courts of Fiji by the Director of Public Prosecutions for serious sexual offences in the period January–December 2025 are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking for our nation.
They reveal a painful truth we cannot ignore: that some of the gravest acts of sexual violence against children are happening within the very places that should be safest for them — their homes, their families, their villages, and their close-knit communities.
We are confronted with cases where children as young as four years old are victims of rape. Where fathers, brothers, uncles and grandfathers are the alleged perpetrators. There was a case where a 12-year-old boy was charged with the rape of his 6-year-old cousin, and a 13-year-old was charged with the rape of a 5-year-old girl from his own village.
These are not just statistics. These are children whose innocence, safety and trust have been shattered.
The DPP statistics report that as of 31 December 2025, there were 126 indictments filed in the High Court, involving 252 counts of serious sexual offences. A total of 141 individuals were charged, including 20 juveniles under the age of 18. Of the 135 victims, 79 were children, with 20 female victims and 15 male victims. The offences ranged from rape, sexual assault, defilement, indecent assault and incest.
Of particular concern are the 63 offences that occurred in domestic relationships or where the accused was known to the victims. This shows a deeply rooted and uncomfortable reality — sexual violence against children in Fiji is often hidden behind the walls of family homes and shielded by silence in communities.
One child abused is one too many.
This is not only a law enforcement issue. This is a community responsibility, a family responsibility, and a moral responsibility.
I call on religious leaders, community leaders, teachers, and traditional leaders to take a more proactive role in speaking openly about child protection. Silence and stigma allow abuse to continue. We must create safe spaces in our churches, temples, mosques, schools, and village meetings where these conversations are encouraged, not avoided.
I also urge parents, relatives, neighbours and community members: when a child attempts to disclose abuse — please listen. Do not dismiss them. Do not shame them. Do not silence them. A child who speaks up is seeking protection, not trouble.
We must teach our children that their bodies belong to them, that they have the right to say no, and that they will be believed and protected if they speak out.
The Ministry will continue to strengthen child protection systems and work closely with stakeholders such as teachers, medical officers, legal officers, Police, civil society partners, faith-based organisations and communities to improve reporting mechanisms, counselling services and preventive education. We will also continue integrating child protection awareness into community and faith-based programs across the country.
But real change begins at home and within our communities. Let us be the generation that refuses to look away. Let us be the adults who choose to protect rather than remain silent. Let us build a Fiji where every child is safe, heard and protected. Our children deserve nothing less,” states Minister Kiran.