LACK of privacy in squatter settlements exposed children to behaviour inappropriate for their age like sexual acts between adults.
This in turn puts children at risk implying that sexual intercourse is something to be practiced freely.
These are the statements made by children living in squatter settlements to a research team on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and child sexual abuse (CSA).
The project undertaken by Save the Children Fiji was funded by UNESCAP and also had input from UNICEF.
The children said they were living in open and exposed conditions, often a one-room dwelling.
"The very real side effect of this is the risk of children engaging in hazardous sexual practices," the report said.
"Open living arrangements also increases the vulnerability of women and children in these settlements to abuse by family and visitors alike."
"Children are also at greater risk of dropping out of school making them vulnerable to illegal activities like child labour and commercial sexual exploitation."
In highlighting social issues of concern to the agency, it identified inadequate housing, poverty, law and order and unemployment as areas that contribute to CSEC and CSA.
With the increasing number of urban migration, the need for affordable housing has also increased. Squatter settlements have provided a viable option particularly if a family is supported by low and no wages.
The report said societal changes have undermined the traditional village and extended family based structures.
"Out growth of these changes include increased child abuse and a growing number of homeless youth in urban areas.
"Homeless children are often seen working as shoeshine boys or involved in prostitution. Children work mostly on the streets, in homes as domestics and in auto repair shops.
The Ministry of Labour has few or no resources to investigate reports of child labour or charge offending employees."
