Increase in the number of recorded child rape cases in Fiji

Vittoria De Bortoli 

Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

70 cases of child rape have been reported to the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre between January and October 2022,increasing the number of cases from last year's 24, most of which were recorded in the centre's central and northern divisions. [1]

FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali said that the number of adult rapes is much lower than the number of child rape (20 cases recorded), and that perpetrators are often family members or known persons. [1]

In October, Ali spoke during a webinar on sport organised by Team Up, an Australian government programme that promotes inclusion and safe sports,stating that there is greater awareness of child rape in Fiji largely due to organisations such as FWCC, which has been trying to spread awareness about this type of sexual abuse since 1984. [2]

She also emphasised the importance of the start of the 16 Days Activism Campaign, an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day, pointing out its important role in highlighting the different types of violence that women and girls face and what could be done to stop them. [3]

The numbers recorded this year are alarming and women's organizations are working more closely to raise awareness of gender-based violence and put an end to it. [3]

Sources and further reading: 

[1] Serafina Silaitoga “FWCC: Rise in child rape cases in Fiji” (November 28, 2022) The Fiji Times. Retrieved on December 7, 2022 from: https://www.fijitimes.com/fwcc-rise-in-child-rape-cases-in-fiji/

[2] Shayal Devi “209 child rape cases in 9 months” (14 october, 2022) The Fiji Times. Retrieved on December 7, 2022 from: https://www.fijitimes.com/209-child-rape-cases-in-9-months/

[3] Praneeta Prakash “More cases of child rape reported” (December 7, 2022) FBC News. Retrieved on December 7, 2022 from: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/more-cases-of-child-rape-reported/

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