Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar said that Fiji had ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1993, declaring our obligation to promote and protect children’s rights.
“Following the ratification of the CRC, the Fiji Government established the National Coordinating Committee on Children (NCCC), a platform where partners and stakeholders including, Government Ministries, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Societies, advice, implement, regulate, and monitor the protection and welfare of children”.
Minister Akbar stated that the 2013 Fijian Constitution guarantees Fijian children the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation under Article 41 (1)(d). Therefore, to be safe and protected is not only a child’s human right but also a Constitutional right that we are responsible for upholding.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that our Fijian children get the care and love they deserve.”
Minister Akbar further said that the Fijian Government allocated $100,000 in the 2022-2023 Budget Allocation to kick-start the establishment process for the Department of Children.
“This Department will specialise in delivering services that are in line with legislative commitments and will strengthen child protection and child welfare services across the country. My Ministry provides a range of services under the Child Protection Programme.
Managing and responding to the Child Welfare Act reports and undertaking casework on a daily basis is the mandate of the Department of Social Welfare.”
Minister Akbar urged all Fijians to break the silence of child abuse and neglect so we can end the vicious cycle of crimes against our children of Fiji.
“You can call the Child Helpline number 1325, a toll-free number that is staffed by professional counsellors 24/7, who are ready to listen to children and guide them towards getting the help they need and deserve.
Every child deserves a bright future, and the Fijian Government is committed to investing in the well-being of all Fijian children. The helpline is also a child abuse and neglect reporting portal for adults to report incidents of violence or neglect of children.”
“I encourage parents, guardians, communities, faith-based leaders, and the general public to create open, empowering and safe conversations with children,” she added.
