3-Year-Old Girl Becomes Youngest Rape Victim in Fiji

A total of 250 people were charged with serious sexual offences in Fiji last year, according to the latest report from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The report, covering January 1 to December 31, 2024, recorded 651 charges filed in the High Courts. Among those charged were three women, 26 juveniles, and four police officers.

The most common offence was rape, with 435 charges, followed by attempted rape (16), sexual assault (136), indecent assault (44), defilement (8), incest (2), and abduction with intent to commit rape (7).

The report revealed that 146 cases happened in domestic settings or involved someone the victim knew. One of the most disturbing cases involved a 12-year-old boy accused of raping a 7-year-old girl, while the youngest victim was a 3-year-old girl allegedly raped by her 30-year-old uncle.

There were 242 victims, of whom 153 were children under 18. Most victims were female (224), while 18 were male.

The ODPP also confirmed that 59 cases were withdrawn in 2024 after prosecutors filed Nolle Prosequi (a decision to stop the case).