The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has called for the urgent establishment of a National Taskforce on Missing Persons, warning that cases involving missing children and vulnerable persons must be treated as protection emergencies rather than solely policing matters.
Human Rights Commissioner Chantelle Khan said the proposed taskforce should bring together Government agencies, the Vanua, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups to ensure coordinated, trusted, and community-driven responses.
“As an urgent response, the Commission is calling for the establishment of a National Taskforce comprising Government, the Vanua, civil society organisations, and faith-based organisations,” Khan said.
“Missing persons cases require coordinated action, community trust, and shared responsibility across society. Such a taskforce would strengthen early reporting and rapid response.”
The Commission stressed that a child-centred, preventive, and multi-sectoral approach is essential, including clear and fast procedures for missing children reports, strong coordination between Police, Social Welfare, Education, Health, and community-based services, as well as early-intervention and safeguarding mechanisms in schools and communities.
“Missing children face increased risks of violence, sexual exploitation, forced labour, substance abuse, and long-term trauma,” Khan said.
“These risks are often worsened by poverty, family breakdown, addiction, and limited support services.”
The Commission emphasised that missing children and persons cases must be treated as protection emergencies, not just criminal investigations.
“The State must also intensify action against drug networks, organised crime, and trafficking, while strengthening family support services to address violence, abuse, neglect, and household stress,” Khan added.
Improved data collection and public awareness were also identified as critical, alongside the need to safeguard the privacy and dignity of victims and their families.
As a State Party to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Commission said Fiji is legally obliged to act with due diligence from the moment a report is received.
“This includes prompt searches, effective investigations, and the protection of victims and their families,” Khan said.
“The protection of victims and their families is a non-derogable right and cannot be suspended under any circumstance.”
The Commission warned that when prevention or protection systems fail, or when serious risks to life emerge, the State must act with the utmost urgency.
“Any delay in remedying failures or removing life-threatening situations is tantamount to a violation of Fiji’s international commitments,” Khan said.
The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has called on State authorities, communities, families, faith-based organisations, and civil society to work collectively to protect children and vulnerable persons from harm.
“No child should be left unprotected from violence, exploitation, or criminal misuse,” Khan stressed.
“Protecting the most vulnerable among us is a fundamental national duty.”
