Chiefs sound alarm over growing social crisis

Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs is sounding the alarm over a growing social crisis, highlighting escalating rates of drug abuse, crime, and HIV within communities. The council's chair, Viliame Seruvakula, stated at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva that these issues are consistently raised at the grassroots level and represent some of the most pressing social challenges.

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The link that holds those structures together is accountability and responsible individuals. The only way forward is for communities to work together. We need to take control here.

Consultations across various communities reveal a clear link between rising crime and drug use. Seruvakula also noted increasing concern regarding HIV prevalence. He emphasized the urgent need for stronger community engagement and leadership, particularly within iTaukei communities, to combat these trends. Traditional structures, he believes, still play a vital role in maintaining social cohesion and accountability, although modern pressures are straining these systems.

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Seruvakula said every consultation and meeting has pointed to rising crime linked to drugs.

Seruvakula stressed that solutions cannot solely rest on government agencies and police. Communities must actively take responsibility for the challenges they confront. He underscored accountability and responsible behavior as crucial elements for holding communities together. The council warned that current decisions will significantly shape how communities navigate future social and security challenges, advocating for increased investment in youth leadership and development.

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He also noted growing concern about HIV in communities and said that stronger community engagement and leadership is needed within iTaukei communities.

Fiji's traditional systems were built on values that historically fostered strong community bonds. However, changing social conditions, migration patterns, and contemporary pressures are placing considerable strain on these foundational structures. The Great Council of Chiefs is calling for a collective effort, urging a return to core values and proactive community involvement to address the complex social issues threatening the fabric of Fijian society.

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He added that traditional structures still play an important role in social cohesion and accountability.