Theme: Walk Against Child Abuse and Neglect
Date: 27 November – 5 December 2016
Venue: Viti Levu Island, Fiji
The 2016 Walkathon Round Viti Levu (475 km) was a personal initiative led by Savneel Sangeet Kumar. The event was held from 27 November to 5 December 2016. The event carried the powerful theme: Walk Against Child Abuse and Neglect.
Walkathon Theme
Every child has the right to grow up free from abuse, violence, and exploitation. Yet, for millions worldwide, these threats remain a daily reality, occurring in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
In Fiji, many children face physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Disturbingly, cases of trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), including child prostitution, pornography, sex tourism, early marriage, and abuse in adoption, have been documented. This underscores the urgent need for advocacy and collective action to protect children from harm.
Fiji ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1993, affirming its commitment to safeguarding children. However, ongoing cases highlight the responsibility of every Fijian to drive change, from grassroots communities to national policy, ensuring child protection becomes a lived reality.
Walkathon Itinerary
| Date | Campaign Venue |
|---|---|
| 27/11/2016 | Start Point: Suva |
| 28/11/2016 | Namatakula Village, Sigatoka |
| 29/11/2016 | Viseisei, Lautoka |
| 01/12/2016 | Sorokoba Village, Ba |
| 02/12/2016 | Vaileka Village, Rakiraki |
| 05/12/2016 | Suva (Closing) |
Sponsors and Supporters
- Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma
- Sports World Fiji
- Mix FM
