Pacnews
FIJI, December 8, 2003: Indo-Fijians, who make up almost half the population of Fiji, are five times more likely than indigenous Fijians to attempt or commit suicide, recent police statistics indicate. The trend has been consistent for at least five years. Along with the youth of Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Guam, Palau and Samoa, Indo-Fijian youth make up some of the highest youth suicide statistics in the world. While there has been limited research in this subject, one academic believes a combination of cultural tolerance, intergenerational conflict, excessive pressure for academic and career success and the affect of Fiji’s political upheavals are all contributing factors to the disproportionately high suicide rates of Indo-Fijians in the country.