We need to invest in our children and keep them off the streets

Yesterday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence received submissions on Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

ECPAT in its country report 2019 revealed some disturbing information about the issue. It is a worldwide network of organisations working to end the sexual exploitation of children. At the heart of its work is every child’s right to live free from sexual exploitation and abuse.

It gets information from various Government agencies and NGOs like the Save the Children Fund.

Very little research has been conducted to Investigate ways through which children in Fiji have been exploited for prostitution, it is the Primary source of exploitation among children, girls and boys. This is according to media reports and anecdotal evidence. Cultural sensitivities and the local taboos on open discussion often prevent information reaching the relevant authorities like the Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation, NGOs and Police which can intervene and initiate moves to address the situation. According to the report the crime in prevalent in low socio-economic communities where children are forced to go out and work to help the families.

Girls end up in prostitution because it is the only available source of income.

The solution is multi faceted and it requires not only Goverment’s help but all stakeholders in the community.

Education is a key area. There should be a concerted effort to educate children, minimise dropouts and encourage higher learning at tertiary level to acquire qualifications that will open up opportunities for employment and business entrepreneurship. We must lift families from their low socioeconomic status otherwise they will be drawn towards illegal activities like child exploitation and prostitution. In this COVID-19 crisis the situation is more serious with high unemployment and families going through financial hardship.

It’s a time when we need to all join hands and help fellow citizens needing help wherever we can.

Our children are our future and we need to invest in them through initiatives that will keep them off the streets.

If there is one time that parents must sacrifice all they have to ensure that their children are preparing for the future from a sure foundation, this is the time. It’s all our responsibility - not Goverment alone. ‘