SOCIAL media users are being encouraged to report vulnerable people seen on the streets instead of making their stories go viral online.
The call was made by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran following recent viral social media videos showing elderly people begging in the Western Division, which prompted concerns about whether the ministry was responding to such cases.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Ms Kiran said the ministry investigated the cases that had gained attention online and found those involved were already receiving some form of assistance.
“In one case, an elderly woman was renting a home, was being supported by the Muslim League women’s group and also had relatives providing assistance,” she said. In another case in Lautoka, Ms Kiran said the elderly woman told the ministry she was unaware a video of her had been shared widely on social media.
“The woman said her children supported her from time to time and that social welfare assistance for her grandchildren had already been approved.”
Ms Kiran said the portrayal of the cases on social media did not reflect the full circumstances.
She said vulnerable people, particularly older persons, could have complex situations, including mental health conditions or dementia, and sharing their images online without consent was undignified.
“So I am calling on the members of the public who encounter older people, children, young women or anyone appearing vulnerable on the streets to report them to the ministry. We have officers who assess each case and work to ensure those individuals receive appropriate support.”
She said people could contact the ministry through its toll-free helpline, 1561, to report cases requiring assistance.
According to Ms Kiran, the ministry regularly assists vulnerable people by reconnecting some with their families, while others, including those living with dementia, may return to the streets because they view it as part of their social life.
She said the ministry was also reminding families of their responsibility to provide dignified care and protection for elderly relatives, adding that it did not want to resort to taking action against families for neglect.
