PALM program has an impact on children – FBC News

Children are vulnerable to neglect and abuse when their parents move overseas in search of a better life under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.

This follows an assessment carried out by the Fiji Social Services Council.

FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga believes it is imperative to address this issue to ensure children are not left vulnerable when parents use the PALM programme

Catanasiga says their report reveals that these children are at risk when they are in the care of their immediate family.

“The issue of overseas work programs. We’ve been highlighting the absence of parents in rural communities and even in children’s communities, to the point of abuse and neglect. And some of those stories come from the Western and Northern Divisions.”

Catanasiga says that despite their efforts to obtain government support, they are reluctant to assess the social impact of employment programs.

Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh said strategies have been put in place to ensure the welfare of children whose parents are covered by the PALM programme.

“We are currently in the process of establishing a working group of relevant stakeholders to monitor and address the issues faced by our employees’ children. This will include the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, as well as the Ministry of Ethics.”

Singh stressed that cooperation between the government and civil society organisations is crucial to ensure the safety of these children.

FCOSS hopes the Government will conduct a social impact assessment as it will also address other issues related to the work programmes.

According to the Ministry of Employment, about 13,000 Fijian workers have been sent to Australia and New Zealand since 2015 under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility and New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer programme.