• Shocking Numbers: 1,477 child abuse cases reported in 2023, following 1,968 in 2022 and 1,518 in 2021.
• Vulnerable Victims: More than half of the victims are girls under 12, with 68% of cases involving neglect, physical, and sexual abuse.
• Family Betrayals: In half of the incidents, the perpetrators were immediate family members.
• Widespread Discipline Issues: A staggering 80% of children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline in the past month.
• Government Takes Charge: Minister Sashi Kiran revives the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection to launch a zero-tolerance campaign.
• Reform on the Horizon: Key legislations like the Adoption Act, Child Justice Act, and Child Care and Protection Act are set for implementation.
In a bid to confront a growing child abuse crisis, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection has reactivated the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection. Minister Sashi Kiran, speaking at a critical meeting on Tuesday, outlined the urgent need for a united, national response to safeguard Fiji’s most vulnerable citizens.
Alarming Trends Spark Action
The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the National Child Welfare database, Fiji recorded 1,477 child abuse cases in 2023, a figure that, while slightly lower than the 1,968 cases in 2022, remains disturbingly high. Data further reveals that over half of the victims are girls, with more than 50% being under the age of 12. Even more distressing is that 68% of these reported cases involve neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, with half of the perpetrators identified as immediate family members.
Half of all cases were reported through the Child Helpline, underlining the critical role of accessible support systems. Additional surveys by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, as part of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS Plus 2024–2025), indicate that 80% of children aged 1-14 have endured violent discipline in the past month. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has also brought to light harrowing details, including that the youngest rape victim last year was just three years old, while the youngest accused was a 12-year-old boy.
A Renewed Commitment to Child Protection
Minister Kiran stressed that these grim statistics demand a coordinated and vigorous response. “We are working with stakeholders to develop a zero-tolerance campaign against violence,” she declared. In a bid to fortify child protection, the newly formed Department of Children will spearhead programs focused on community capacity building, trauma awareness, positive parenting, and robust family support systems. This initiative is bolstered by plans to implement pivotal legislations—including the Adoption Act (2020), Child Justice Act (2024), and Child Care and Protection Act (2024)—in the coming months.
The reinstatement of the National Coordinating Committee on Child Protection is a clear signal of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in Fiji is safe, protected, and empowered to thrive. Enhanced training, improved monitoring systems, and strengthened partnerships are set to transform the landscape of child welfare in the nation.
As Fiji rallies to reverse this disturbing trend, all eyes will be on the Ministry’s next moves. This decisive step not only underscores a renewed dedication to safeguarding children but also marks the beginning of a comprehensive overhaul aimed at securing a safer future for every child in Fiji. Stay tuned as this critical story unfolds, with transformative reforms on the horizon.
