A taskforce on beggars in Fiji has declared zero tolerance on child begging.
The taskforce, which is spearheaded by the Fiji Ministry of Social Welfare and police, has carried out a comprehensive profiling exercise to determine the root causes of begging in Fiji.
The Ministry's permanent secretary says it has become a concern that some families are using children for begging.
Dr Josefa Koroivueta says the team is working with the police to ensure children are not exploited by their families to beg for money on the streets.
Dr Koroivueta says the profiling exercise in Suva has found detailed information on 40 beggars and their families.
He says the taskforce is working towards finding a rehabilitation facility for beggars who are mentally challenged and homeless.
