More Than 200 Children Rescued From Child Labour, Says Vosarogo

More than 200 children have been removed from exploitative labour situations and returned to education through the work of Fiji's child labour taskforce, Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo revealed earlier this month.

Speaking at the World Day Against Child Labour commemoration, Hon. Vosarogo, Who was acting Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations at the time, said the achievement demonstrated the importance of coordinated action to protect vulnerable children and ensure they remain in school.

The taskforce, which brings together the Ministry of Employment, the Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and other partners, has been working to identify and assist children engaged in exploitative work across the country.

"Together, we have already withdrawn more than 200 children from exploitative work and returned them to education," he said.

Despite the progress, Hon. Vosarogo said child labour remains a challenge that cannot be addressed through enforcement alone.

He noted that poverty and financial hardship often place pressure on families, making it necessary for Government to address the root causes of child labour while strengthening protections for children.

"We are working to ensure that no family is forced to choose between putting food on the table and sending their children to school," he said.

The Acting Minister said Government continues to support vulnerable families through initiatives such as free education, bus fare assistance, the Poverty Benefit Scheme and other social protection programmes.

He also revealed that the Employment Relations Act is currently being strengthened to provide greater protection for children and stronger accountability measures for employers who breach child labour laws.

Hon. Vosarogo called on employers, communities, parents and guardians to play their part in protecting children from exploitation and ensuring education remains a priority.

Addressing young people directly, he encouraged them to understand their rights and speak out if they witness exploitation.

"Education is our most powerful weapon. When children are in the classroom instead of the workforce, opportunities arise and futures are transformed," he said.

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