The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission states it has noticed a recurring and troubling trend where Fijians are neglecting and mistreatment elderly members of their family after they have transferred ownership of family assets to their children.
FHRADC Director Mrs Loukinikini Lewaravu said complaints received include reports of older persons being served stale food, denied timely medical care, and having their social welfare allowances misused.
“These actions are a betrayal of trust and constitute abuse—morally, legally, and culturally,” she said.
Mrs said the mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation of older persons is not merely a social issue.
“It stands in direct contradiction to our unique Pacific cultural values that uphold respect for the elderly, defies religious teachings that call for the honouring of parents and elders, and constitutes a grave violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights,” she said.
“In one complaint, an 87-year-old woman was allegedly physically assaulted and rendered homeless by her own children, who eventually abandoned her at the Commission’s office.”
“In another disturbing case, an elderly woman was left for several months at a public hospital’s stress ward after being neglected by her family.”
“In two other cases, elderly women with psychosocial disability, were subjected to physical abuse by their family members.”
Ms Lewaravu added these are not isolated tragedies—they signal a breakdown in empathy, duty, cultural and social responsibility.
