Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya is set to announce Fiji’s commitment to ending violence against children.

The announcement will take place this week at the first Global Ministerial Forum to End Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia.

This commitment marks an important milestone in governments’ ongoing efforts to prioritize child protection and safeguard the rights of Fiji’s most vulnerable people.

Tabuya says Fiji is united in its commitment to protecting children from violence.

She says they recognize that ending violence against children requires concerted action, collaboration and strong policies that are not only reactive but also preventative.

She added that their commitment is a clear statement that Fiji will continue to lead by example in creating a future where every child can grow up free from fear and danger.

Fiji is committed to reforming current child protection laws that prioritize the removal of children, moving to a system that respects the principle that children should, wherever possible, grow up in environments that foster positive relationships with their parents, families and communities.

The reforms will also overhaul juvenile justice laws, emphasizing diversion rather than punishment, addressing the root causes of why children come into contact with the law.

Other commitments under this commitment include strengthening civil society and child protection coordination, monitoring and evaluation of prevention programs and, importantly, improving security and economic support for families.