THE mock Youth Parliament has been told there is only one drug rehabilitation centre in Lautoka with a modest 12-student capacity.
Speaking on the urgency of the establishment of a national youth rehabilitation program, mock Opposition Leader Manasa Navara said drug offences were particularly worrying among iTaukei youth.
“Our brothers and sisters are disproportionately affected,” Navara said.
“In 2023, over 1600 illicit drug cases were registered, many involving methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
“We already have one rehabilitation centre in Lautoka with a modest 12-student capacity and plans to expand. However, the scale is far too small.”
He said statistics represented lives derailed, families broken, potential wasted, and the very future of the nation at risk.
“A national youth rehabilitation program anchored in education, counselling, skill development, and outreach is necessary.
“Young people in secondary schools, universities and youth organisations must be made aware early and clearly of the risks of drug abuse, including the devastating linkage to HIV and other STIs.”
Navara said Fiji needed accessible youth-friendly rehabilitation services across all divisions that combine clinical counselling, psychological support, vocational training, and reintegration into society.
He highlighted that rehabilitation must be paired with skills training and opportunity.
“Young people must not simply stop abusing; they must be enabled to build sustainable livelihoods.
“The youth training centres already operating in Fiji could serve as a foundation for extension under this program.”
