“All towns and cities will be strictly monitored to ensure that no child is being used for begging.”
These are the words of the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Sofia Rosy Akbar after four more children under the age of 12 years were removed from the streets in Lautoka last week who were being used for begging.
Akbar said they have a task force and are working closely with the Fiji Police Force.
Children who were taken off the streets include an 11-year-old, a 6-year old, a 3-year-old and a 3-month-old baby.
These children are now at a Residential Home in Lautoka.
She added they have also found out that many families are using disabled and mentally challenged members to beg on the streets.
Akbar added that through their profiling exercise they have found out that through the generosity of the general public these beggars earn a lot more than hard day’s work and has urged people to stop giving money to these beggars.
Meanwhile, a one month oldy baby was taken off the street in Suva earlier this month who was being used by the mother for begging.
