Samoa Human Rights Group Calls For Urgent Action To Protect Children From Abuse
Approximately 90 percent of children in Samoa are subjected to violence in their lifetime, according to the United Nations Children's Fund. RNZ Pacific
A human rights organisation in Samoa is calling for urgent action to address what it believes is the 'alarming increase' in violence and abuse against children.
The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) said reports of parental negligence, the tragic death of a disabled girl, and the search for missing children on social media in recent months have raised serious concerns.
The group said it has noted an increase in child victims being abused sexually and violently.
'It is particularly disheartening to witness young girls, as young as 8 and 9 years old, being sheltered as victims of sexual abuse by their own relatives,' it said in a statement this week.
'One such case involves a young girl currently under SVSG's care, who was discovered by a family sleeping in front of their home.'
According to SVSG, the girl had been a victim of abuse and felt too frightened to return to her abusive home environment.
'The public was also devastated to hear about the death of a 13-year-old girl who was sexually abused and killed by her own relative at her own home.'
The advocacy organisation said parents are expected to play a crucial role 'as loving protectors of their children'.
'The rising cases of abuse reveal a troubling carelessness among some parents, highlighting a failure to prioritise their protective responsibilities.'
The SVSG wants the Samoan community to collectively address these social issues.
In February, SVSG said its free helpline service had recorded a rise in calls regarding children being abused by their parents and family members.
The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) says high rates of violence against children – who represent 43 percent of the population – remains of concern in Samoa.
According to the UN agency, approximately 90 percent of girls and boys are subjected to violence in their lifetime.
Parents and families must confront these uncomfortable truths and ensure the safety of all children from violence and abuse, SVSG said.
It also called on community leaders, including those in villages and churches, to revisit strategies aimed at addressing such issues.
SVSG president Siliniu Lina Chang has urged the public to utilise the services offered by the organisation.
'The free helpline is available 24/7, and the SVSG facilities are always open for counselling and discussions when needed,' Chang said.
'Let us all work together to ensure a peaceful and safer Samoa.'
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