The Fiji Times Online: Violence report

Fiji 20 May 2015 - A report launched at the Pacific Conference on Ending Violence Against Children noted that about 57 per cent of women in the South Pacific countries surveyed have been violently harmed by their partners.

"And that 75 per cent of adolescent boys surveyed in three Pacific countries think it is OK to beat your wife," a statement from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) noted.

"Violence extends to the classroom as well, with teachers in seven out of 16 Pacific countries allowed to hit children."

Hosted at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi, the conference is also being attended by Marta Santos Pais, special representative to the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children.

"This conference is timely given that you can reflect how to better address violence against children, share lessons and bring to an end all forms that compromise children's development," she told participants.

"Violence against children is a global concern and no country is immune to this phenomenon. Protecting children from violence is a distinct and cross-cutting priority in the post-2015 development agenda. Truly sustainable development requires the elimination of all forms of violence against children."

Author: Litia Mathewsell

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