NATIONAL COMMITTEE REVIVED TO STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION EFFORTS

05/02/2025

The National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection has been revived to strengthen efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of children across Fiji.

Opening the meeting today, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran, highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated approach to address child protection challenges, particularly in light of alarming statistics on violence against children.

According to recorded data from the National Child Welfare database, Fiji:
- 1,477 cases of child abuse in 2023, 1,968 in 2022, and 1,518 in 2021.
- More than 50% of victims were girls, and over half were under 12 years old.
- 68% of reported cases involved neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
- 50% of perpetrators were immediate family members.
- 50% of cases were reported through the Child Helpline.

The Fiji Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS Plus 2024-2025) further revealed that 80% of children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline in the past month.

Additionally, recent statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions show that the youngest rape victim last year was a three-year-old, while the youngest accused was just 12 years old.

Minister Kiran emphasised the crucial role of the newly established Department of Children in safeguarding children's rights through child protection programs, advocacy, education and policy development.

She says the ministry will work with stakeholders to develop a zero-tolerance campaign against violence. She said the ministry is working on developing programs for community capacity building, trauma awareness, positive parenting, and family support systems.

“In the coming months, we aim to implement key legislations, including the Adoption Act (2020), Child Justice Act (2024), and Child Care and Protection Act (2024). We will also focus on strengthening child protection training, monitoring systems, and coordination with partners,” said Minister Kiran.

The revival of the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection marks a renewed commitment to ensuring every child in Fiji is safe, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.