Increasing reports of child abuse and neglect continue to raise concerns nationwide, with 10,111 cases recorded in the past five years, according to the National CWA Database.
Women, Children’s and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran shared the figure as Fiji marked International Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and World Children’s Day this week.
Ms Kiran said the large number of cases showed child abuse remained a serious issue affecting families and communities nationwide, with 60 to 70 per cent of reported cases involving child neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
She said this year had been significant as the Coalition Government passed two major child laws — the Child Safety and Protection Act and the Child Justice Act — which are being rolled out nationwide.
Ms Kiran said the Child Safety and Protection Act set clearer safeguards, responsibilities, and processes for preventing and responding to abuse, while the child Justice Act was a more child-friendly justice system that focused on rehabilitation and fairness.
The minister highlighted this year’s theme of Nurturing Minds, Protecting Futures, saying it underscored the shared responsibility of families, communities, and agencies to support children’s wellbeing both offline and online. Ms Kiran said the Department of Children has begun setting up frangipani tree houses/child friendly spaces in communities and workplaces as part of efforts to support children’s learning, emotional development, and safety.
