STAKEHOLDERS should concentrate on addressing the sexual exploitation of children, says Save the Children Fiji.
The organisation has commended the country’s justice system for the decision by High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar last week whereby he sentenced a man to life imprisonment for each count of rape and five years imprisonment for indecently assaulting his two biological daughters.
The sentencing was considered a landmark case by the organisation, saying it ushered a new era in support of children’s rights in Fiji.
Save the Children Fiji chief executive officer Iris Low-McKenzie reiterated that the sexual abuse of children had become rampant in our country.
“This case is sending a clear message to offenders that there is a zero-tolerance policy on the sexual abuse of children in Fiji,” she said.
“This should be a deterrent for those who want to take advantage of our children. “We need urgent, concerted action to end these heinous crimes on children.
“We also need to acknowledge that reporting and responding to such crimes is increasing and Fiji’s legislative environment is such that it protects the rights of children.”
Save the Children Fiji also addressed the difficulty faced by victims when reporting these incidences.
“Reporting is the right thing to do because children exposed to family and domestic violence and/or sexual and physical abuse suffer psychological trauma and this can be long lasting.”
The organisation reminded the public that the national child helpline was always active and that victims could call at any time to report their cases on 1325.
