Original Article02/25/2013
Fiji is the latest Pacific nation to consider setting up a register of sex offenders.
The country's Minister for Women, Dr Jiko Luveni, says a register would address the 'root cause' of sex related crime against girls and women.- What about men and boys?
The minister says the register would be able to identify offenders, track and educate them and provide important information to the police.
Shamima Ali, the chief executive of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, says historically sex offender registers have never worked before.
She told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat she is not totally opposed to such a move, but more discussion around the issue is needed from a human rights perspective.
"I still believe in Fiji there needs to be a lot more discussion and consultation which we seem to be lacking nowadays," Ms Ali said.
"And rather than just talking about bandaid solutions - a quick way to address the situation...looking at where has it worked, if it has worked anywhere. And in from my knowledge, it hasn't worked."© 2006-2013 | Sex Offender Issues