SUVA, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Fiji is taking significant steps to combat violence against children, with a national strategy to eliminate violence by 2027.
This effort includes reforms in child protection, juvenile justice, and a focus on prevention over punishment.
Fijian Minister for Health Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted these initiatives during his address at the Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development Forum in Samoa this week.
He emphasized that the government is working alongside civil society and communities to implement a shared plan of action to uphold children's rights and well-being.
Violence against children remains a significant concern in Fiji.
According to the 2024-2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, 80 percent of Fijian children aged 1-14 experienced violent discipline, encompassing physical punishment and psychological aggression.
Between 2021 and 2023, nearly 5,000 child abuse cases were reported.
Most of the reported cases involved neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, with half of the perpetrators being immediate family members, according to the Fijian government. ■
