Japan has committed $US5.48million to a new UNICEF-led project aimed at protecting children and adolescents from Fiji’s escalating drug crisis.
Speaking at the signing event in Suva, Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji Hiroshi Tajima said the investment would support prevention, early intervention, and safer environments for young people.
“In early 2024, authorities intercepted nearly five tons of methamphetamine, a shocking discovery that highlighted how transnational criminal networks target our Pacific home,” Mr Tajima said.
He said the four–year program would reach more than 150,000 students and provide support to 10,000 high–risk adolescents. Nearly 3000 frontline workers, including teachers, police and health officers, would also be trained.
