Social Welfare director Rupeni Fatiaki says his department is aware that young Fijian girls are now involved in prostitution.
He said the department did not have statistics or data but they had received reports of young girls engaged in the illicit activity.
“We have come across this and it has been reported to us that young girls are involved in prostitution,” he said.
Mr Fatiaki said this issue was prevalent in Suva and Nadi.
“It is happening but it is secretive and we do not have those figures because nobody will come out and say ‘I am doing this’.
“Cases have been reported to us that young girls are selling themselves.”
He also said the department worked to assist girls who were involved in the sex trade.
“We try to help them and we try to counsel them. We try to get them to school and encourage them that there are other options.”
