Forgotten lives

THE revelation of unclaimed bodies in Fiji’s morgues is a reminder of a growing social malaise. Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, rightly points to a worrying lack of empathy and disregard for loved ones, as shown by the eight unclaimed bodies in Lautoka and four at CWM Hospital.

These forgotten Fijians deserve more than just a bureaucratic process for final rites; their stories speak of a deeper societal issue demanding our collective attention.

Ms Kiran’s frustration and sadness are obvious. She highlights the bureaucratic hurdles that delay dignified farewells – legal processes, outreach to potential relatives, and the logistics of coordinating final rites.

As we navigate these legal and practical requirements, it shouldn’t overshadow the human cost of neglect. These people, once part of families and communities, are now just statistics, their stories untold and their final goodbyes postponed.

The Minister’s observation regarding neglected elderly in aged care homes further amplifies the issue.

It must motivate us to confront the harsh reality of a society increasingly characterized by a breakdown in social connections and the erosion of traditional support systems. The nuclear family structure, while offering certain advantages, can also leave individuals vulnerable to isolation, particularly in their later years.

We need a multifaceted approach. We need to strengthen community ties and foster a sense of community belonging.

We need to invest in social services.

We need to promote open communication and raise awareness, highlighting the issue of unclaimed bodies and neglected individuals. These campaigns can encourage people to reach out to estranged family members, check in on their neighbors, and offer support to those in need.

Ultimately, addressing this issue requires a shift in societal consciousness. We must rediscover the value of empathy and compassion.

This situation transcends the specific case of unclaimed bodies in Fiji. It serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the need to build a society where individuals, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, are valued and cared for. We need to place value on family, and human relationships.

We must be considerate and focused on caring for our children and family members.

That must come from within us all though.

It must be nurtured among our young, and seen as something that must be a part of our lives.

Whatever is happening now is a sad reflection of who we are. But we can change that. It starts with a change in mindset!