Police, health and legal officers are obligated by law under the child welfare decree 2010 to report all child abuse cases to the Social Welfare Ministry.
Permanent Secretary – Govind Sami says under the act, he has to assign someone to ensure the abused child is taken care of by someone and not be interrogated by the Police.
Sami made the comments when he addressed health officials in the health symposium today.
“I have seen reports being sent to the police. It is mandatory under the act for you to report of this kind of incidents to me. And if you don’t have my number it is 9905408. We have an obligation to take care of these children.”
Sami highlighted an incident involving a three-year-old victim who was interviewed by police officers handling the case without a social welfare officer present.
“This is a three year old child we are talking about. They had no right to take him to Police mobile in Nasinu. If they had to interview him, then a social welfare worker should be present.”
Sami has met with Director Police CID on the issue.
