The Fiji Human Rights and Anti‑Discrimination Commission is urging families and guardians to show compassion and care towards their loved ones who are mentally‑ill and challenged.
The Commission’s call comes following the outcome of an investigation conducted in Nadi and Lautoka, where some mentally‑ill persons are left at police stations.
Director Ashwin Raj says it is worrying to see mentally‑ill people abandoned by their loved ones, who are left to live in appalling conditions, some even incarcerated because they are suffering from a violent episode.
He says what is more upsetting is that some of these people are left in police stations as a last recourse, which is not the right institution for such persons.
The commission says these people require psychiatric help.
It says Police do not have the necessary resources or medical expertise to assist such persons, hence, families or guardians must not burden Police with such responsibility.
The commission says the families or guardians of mentally‑challenged persons should seek the assistance of medical authorities.
It says some of the mentally‑ill persons are already trauma‑stricken because of physical and sexual abuse.
Abandoning them at police stations can only cause more stress and trauma.
The Commission will work hand in hand with Fiji Police, Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation and other concerned groups such as religious leaders and civil society organisations on this matter.
