Violence against children is costing the nation dearly with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics estimating it at 4.23 per cent of GDP or $460million each year.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran told Parliament yesterday that when a child was left traumatised, it took a toll on their family, on their community and on society at large.
“It manifests as emotional distress, health burdens, reductions in quality of life and additional financial burdens on households and on sectors responsible for providing services in response to cases of violence,” Ms Kiran said.
“I am calling on our leaders — in this House, in private sector, faith leaders, community leaders, civil servants, family elders, and every citizen to act with urgency to protect our children.
“Let us stand together, across political lines, to say with one voice: every child in Fiji deserves to be safe, every child in Fiji deserves to be heard and every child in Fiji deserves to be protected from all forms of violence.”
She said the National Child Safeguarding Policy that was being passed by Cabinet, was a national standard — a guiding framework that applies across all ministries, departments, NGOs, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, private businesses, schools, community groups, sports clubs, contractors and service providers.
“In simple terms: if you work with children, you are bound by this policy.”
Ms Kiran said the policy also supported and strengthened other major reforms.
“It is directly aligned with the new Child Care and Protection Act 2024 and the Child Justice Act 2024.
“These laws set higher standards for child protection and justice systems, and this policy provides the framework to make sure those standards are applied in practice.
“It also complements the new Adoptions Act, which guarantees that every adoption decision is made in the best interests of the child.
“That Act also introduces clear and transparent rules for both local and international adoptions.”
She said through this policy, the Department of Children was preparing prospective parents in advance, and the ministry was establishing a National Foster and Adoption Panel to secure safe, loving homes for children.
“Together, these laws and this policy form a strong safety net — one that should protect children at home, in school, in care, and in the justice system.”
