The prevalence of sexual violence against children in Fiji remains alarmingly high, with more than 4,100 cases recorded between 2020 and 2024, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran told Parliament yesterday.
Kiran said child sexual abuse is the largest category of crimes against children in Fiji and is often committed by trusted individuals within the home or community.
“Fiji Police Force data from 2020 to 2024 indicates that child sexual abuse remains the most pervasive and alarming crime against children. A total of 4,159 child sexual offense cases were recorded,” she said.
In response, the Ministry is developing a National Action Plan on the elimination of all forms of violence against children, which will provide a coordinated roadmap to address gaps, improve services, and strengthen prevention measures across homes, schools, communities, and online spaces.
“To draw attention to the issue, our ministry convened a dialogue with all stakeholders,” Kiran said. “The National Plan will ensure coordinated efforts across key government ministries, statutory bodies, law enforcement agencies, faith leaders, civil society organisations, community leaders, development partners, and child-focused organisations.”
The National Coordinating Committee for Children (NCCC), revived in February 2025, will play a central role in shaping and implementing the plan, ensuring it is culturally grounded and multi-sectoral.
“We are now embarking on the development of the National Action Plan to eliminate violence against children,” Kiran said. “This work is supported technically by UNICEF, and aims to provide prevention, protection, and response strategies across all environments where children live, learn and play.”
Kiran emphasised that the plan is part of a broader government effort to safeguard children and build a society where every child can grow free from violence.
