Fiji's Minister of Defence and National Security, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, says soaring numbers of sexual offences show how the country's values have degraded.
According to FBC News Ratu Inoke said that in the latest annual figures rape offences had increased by 5.2 percent, assault with intent to commit rape by 300 percent, sexual assaults by 116 percent and abduction of people under 18 with intent to have carnal knowledge was up 100 percent.
Fiji's minister of defence and national security Inoke Kuboabola. Photo: UN Photo/Evan Schneider
He told parliament everyone needed to help combat these deplorable acts, which last year included 632 sexual offences against children.
The minister said with the police's 'no drop' policy and 'zero tolerance' measures in place, a multifaceted approach was being taken to try and curb sex crimes.