Press Release 2: Coalition Disturbed with Increasing Rate of Missing Persons Reports

Press Release 2: Coalition Disturbed with Increasing Rate of Missing Persons Reports

13/10/2022

 The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is calling for an urgent investigation into the increasing rate of missing persons reported in the past few months, most of whom are alleged cases involving children and young women.  

We strongly urge all relevant authorities to work together to disseminate and investigate alleged cases of missing persons, especially when it involves children and young women who are vulnerable to sexual assault, sex trafficking and sex work. 

Immediate response of relevant authorities to investigate reports of alleged missing children is paramount to ensuring their safety and well-being and under reaction can result in serious harm or death. All relevant authorities play a part in responding to reports of missing individuals by sharing accurate information that will aid in finding the individual. Early assessment of missing persons' reports to determine the urgency of investigation and response is critical.  

The Coalition reminds the Fiji government of its commitments towards the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We call for an urgent review of existing laws and policies in place to protect and eliminate violence against children.   

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