Today, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Hon. Sashi Kiran delivered a clear and powerful message that child sexual abuse must end and it will take every one of us to make that happen.
Speaking at a national symposium attended by government ministries, civil society organizations, development partners and community representatives, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to protect children from sexual violence.
Recent Fiji Police Force data from 2020 to 2024 shows that child sexual abuse remains the most common crime committed against children in the country. Over 4,000 sexual offence cases were recorded in the past five years, with girls making up more than 70 percent of the victims. Most victims are aged between 13 and 17, and even infants have not been spared. iTaukei children remain the most affected, followed by children of Indian descent. The most common offences include rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, and defilement. Most of these crimes are committed by people known to the child, including family members, guardians, or trusted adults.
“The threat to our children often lies within the very spaces where they should feel safe,” the Minister said. “Our children are being harmed by people they trust, and this must stop.”
The Minister also raised concern about the high number of teenage pregnancies. In the first half of 2024 alone, eight girls under the age of 15 gave birth, and more than 850 teenage pregnancies were recorded overall. “These are children who should be in school, not in delivery wards,” she said.
Recent cases reported by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions show that the problem is widespread, affecting families from all communities and in both rural and urban areas. Cases include young children abused by their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other close relatives. “These cases are heartbreaking and remind us that child sexual abuse does not discriminate. It affects children everywhere,” the Minister said.
The Minister also spoke about the long-term harm caused by sexual abuse, which can include serious emotional and psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and long-lasting trauma. She explained that many children in State Care Homes are survivors of such abuse and are often retraumatized when required to repeatedly recount their experiences in court.
She also noted that cultural norms often silence victims. In some families, children who report abuse are blamed or excluded, and mothers or relatives who support them face criticism. “This culture of silence must end. Children must be heard, believed, and protected,” she said.
The Minister emphasized the need for open conversations about child protection, stronger community awareness, and better support for survivors. She stressed that preventing child abuse requires involvement from families, communities, faith leaders, and frontline workers. She highlighted the need for community-driven prevention programs, specialized training for police and the judiciary, and trauma-informed counselling for children.
To strengthen Fiji’s national response, the Ministry is working with UNICEF to develop the National Action Plan for Ending Violence Against Children. This plan will help Fiji prevent violence before it occurs, improve coordination between ministries and communities, shift harmful social norms, and provide timely support for survivors. The Minister expressed deep appreciation to UNICEF for its technical support.
She also thanked Save the Children for facilitating children’s programs in two communities and for helping ensure that children’s voices are included in the discussions. She acknowledged government ministries, civil society groups, faith-based organizations, statutory bodies, and development partners for their ongoing support.
The Minister reminded children that they are the strength, the heart and the future of our nation. "Your voices matter. You deserve to be loved, cared for, respected, protected, and trusted. We stand with you.”
She called on all Fijians to work together: “Let us build a Fiji where every child is safe, valued, and free from violence. Let us protect their future and nurture their dreams.”