Child abuse remains common in Fiji, states the US Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in 2023 released this week.
The report states this is evident despite laws against child abuse being in force in Fiji.
“The law required mandatory reporting to police by teachers, health-care workers, and social welfare workers of any suspected case of child abuse,” states the report.
“Child abuse was, nonetheless, common.
“Urbanisation, the breakdown of extended family structures and neglect contributed to a reported rise in abuse cases and more children sought shelter at state-funded homes.
“In most cases, however, these facilities were overburdened and unable to assist all victims. The government continued its public awareness campaign against child abuse.
“Corporal punishment was common in schools, despite a Ministry of Education policy forbidding it in the classroom.”
