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An 87-year-old woman was allegedly beaten by her own children, made homeless, and left at the doors of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimination Commission.

This chilling case is just one of several that was reported to the commission reflecting a deepening crisis of elder abuse in Fiji.

“These are not isolated tragedies-they signal a breakdown in empathy, duty, cultural and social responsibility,” said commission director, Loukinikini Lewaravu, in a statement to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day yesterday.

The commission warned that elder abuse was not merely a social issue.

“It is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and Pacific cultural values that traditionally uphold deep respect for the elderly.

“Older individuals can face abuse not only within their own homes but also in care facilities and community environments.

“Such acts must never be normalised, excused, or ignored. Abuse must be reported and addressed with urgency and seriousness,” she said.

Other disturbing cases reported to the commission include an elderly woman left for months in a hospital’s stress ward after being neglected by her family, and two elderly women with psychosocial disabilities physically abused by relatives.

The commission highlighted a troubling trend: elderly parents being mistreated after transferring family assets to their children.

Complaints include cases of stale food, denial of medical care, and misuse of social welfare funds.

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