Women, Children and Social Protection and Justice permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca said the new UNICEF–Japan partnership marked the beginning of a four–year response to growing risks faced by children across Fiji.
Ms Kuruleca told attendees at the launch in Suva that the project would help establish 30 child–friendly service hubs and 45 student–friendly spaces nationwide.
She said the numbers presented at the event showed the scale of the challenge. In 2023, schools recorded 3500 substance abuse cases. Between May 2024 and May 2025, Police recorded 2400 drug–related incidents, including more than 300 serious cases involving juveniles. At the start of 2025, 1226 HIV cases had been recorded.
“These are not just statistics, they are the cases of our children, our nephews, our nieces, our grandchildren,” Ms Kuruleca said.
She said the response must involve every ministry, from justice and health to policing, education, and immigration.
“Our referral pathways must be strong enough to catch them before they fall, this is where the Child Care and Protection Act truly live — in the creation of safe havens where a child can find their counsel.”
She thanked the government and people of Japan for their support, and said the partnership places the dignity and wellbeing of every Fijian child at the centre of national priorities.
