The Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, officially launched the National Child Safeguarding Policy Consultation in Suva.
The Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation with other Government Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, and Faith-Based Organisations, are working collaboratively in collating information for the formulation of Fiji’s first-ever National Child Safeguarding Policy.
While speaking at the official launching of the National Child Safeguarding Policy Consultations, Minister Akbar said that every Fijian child deserves to grow up with effective and safe care and we all have the responsibility to promote their welfare and protect them from harm.
"Safeguarding children from harm is everyone’s responsibility. All organisations that work with children, including Government Ministries, Departments, Civil Society Organisations, and the private sector must have policies, practices, and procedures in place to ensure that the children they come into contact with are safeguarded from harm."
"In 2021, the Child Welfare Act National Database recorded a total of 1,518 cases. A total of 70% of the cases reported were of child neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. This was a decrease in contrast to 2020, in which 1,719 cases were reported."
"Despite that little decrease, these statistics are too high. Children need to grow up in a caring, loving, and protective environment. Abuse or neglect of children has consequences on all aspects of a child’s development and has consequences lasting into adulthood."
Minister Akbar stated that with respect to Article 19 of the UN CRC, Government departments and Civil Society Organisations are committed to playing an active role in taking all appropriate measures to ensure that children are protected from all forms of abuse while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person.
The 2013 Fijian Constitution guarantees Fijian children the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence. It specifically states that ‘Every child has the right to be protected from abuse, any form of violence, inhumane treatment, and hazardous or exploitative labour’ in Article 41 (1)(d).
Minister Akbar told participants that the Fijian Government is committed to keeping children safe from all abuse, exploitation, and violence and the Ministry is continuing work on a National Child Safeguarding Policy, making it the first national policy of its kind in Fiji.
"The policy acknowledges that there are a number of potential risks associated with delivering services to children, including the potential for abuse or exploitation of children by employers and employees of Government Ministries, Civil Society Organisations, and the private sector. The policy outlines a number of concrete actions that will be taken to safeguard children in the delivery of services in a ‘child-friendly’ and ‘child-safe’ manner."
Minister Akbar added that Consultation for this policy is vital in leaving no stone unturned, especially when the safety of Fijian children is on the line.
"Today marks the first consultation with civil society and faith-based organisations that work closely with children. The outcome of today’s discussions will contribute to the finalisation of the policy. I hope that we will all be empowered and encouraged on the significance of child safeguarding and be reminded that it is our responsibility to protect our future leaders."
Minister Akbar also advised the participants of the role of the Government-funded Child Helpline, 1325, where anyone can call the toll-free line to access counselling support or report cases of child abuse.