SUVA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said Wednesday that Fiji is facing growing concerns over substance abuse among young people as children as young as 10 to 14 years old are becoming trapped in drug addiction.
Kiran told parliament that the escalating abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs among children is fueling mental health issues, domestic violence, self-harm, and violent crime.
She added that Fiji's geographical location as a transit point for international drug trafficking is also making highly addictive substances, particularly methamphetamine, more accessible.
The Fijian government is taking measures to provide treatment and support for young people affected by substance abuse.
Kiran said the country has established its first residential rehabilitation center specifically for male youths aged 14 to 17. ■