Fiji Minister for Women says, 2 Fijian girls taken to PNG were abused

It is believed that the two Fijian women who ended up in Papua New Guinea under dubious circumstances were allegedly physically abused.

The two had visible bruises on their body which was noted by the Minister for Women, Rosy Akbar, when she visited them.

The two victims – a 14-year-old girl and a 21-year-old woman – were flown back to Fiji last week after Fijian High Commission in PNG were alerted that the two, who had travelled with PNG nationals, could not be traced by their relatives in Fiji.

They are said to be cousins and the roles of their parents in sending them to PNG are also being investigated by Police.

“It’s a very sad case that the two girls were subjected to some harsh conditions when they were taken to PNG,” Ms Akbar said.

“They have returned with some visible bruises and they have asked us to respect their privacy; we do take this case very seriously especially when it comes to the welfare of our children.”

The young girl had gone with a businessman to PNG last December and had failed to return.

The case was being brought to the attention of the Fijian High Commission to PNG last week by the 14-year-old girl’s mother where the search began and the plight of the 21-year-old was also unearthed.

The Ministry may also look at this as a case of human trafficking.

The Minister has issued a stern warning to parents who were being easily lured by foreigners.

“We would like to use this scenario to other parents who might be lured by families and others to take children out of the country,” she said.

“Parents are advised to please be very careful in letting their children travel abroad under any circumstances; it is the duty of the parents to ensure that the children who ever they go with are protected.”

It has also been revealed that the Ministry was alerted by some people that these two cousins were being sent to PNG with PNG nationals before they left the country.

“The sad thing here is we were alerted by a close relative right before they had left the country but unfortunately for us the paper work was already in order; and neither the Police nor the Immigration could stop them,” Ms Akbar said.

Currently the 21-year-old woman has returned to her family but the 14-year-old girl is still under Government care and is living in an undisclosed location.

“Once we feel safe that she is safe and after getting assurance from the family we will return the child to her family,” Ms Akbar said.

It is alleged that they were lured to PNG by promises of money and a bright future.

Source: Fiji Sun