Save the Children Fiji has issued a firm plea to the public to reject calls for the reinstatement of corporal punishment in schools, emphasizing that such measures violate current laws. Chief Executive Officer Shairana Ali has expressed deep concern over recent suggestions from the Fijian Teachers Association, particularly the idea of using leather belts as a discipline method in educational institutions.
Ali highlighted that advocating for corporal punishment is not only dangerous but illegal under the Child Care and Protection Act of Fiji. She stated, “Anyone who publicly calls for children to be beaten with leather belts in schools is not only violating our laws but also committing a serious child safeguarding breach.” Such statements, she warned, could incite violence towards children and result in legal consequences for those promoting them.
The advocacy comes in the wake of Fiji’s constitutional protections under Section 41, which safeguards children’s rights to protection from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child since 1993, Fiji is obligated to ensure a safe environment free from violence for all children.
Ali firmly rejected the notion of corporal punishment, stating, “This is not a debate. Corporal punishment is banned. Full stop.” She noted that recent research indicates harmful effects associated with physical punishment on children’s emotional and developmental health. With 68 percent of children aged 1–14 in Fiji experiencing violent discipline methods, including physical punishment, the need for reformed approaches is more pressing than ever.
Previously, similar discussions have emerged, with the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) also asserting that any move to reinstate corporal punishment violates children’s rights. They have emphasized the necessity of compassion and effective discipline alternatives that promote positive development in children.
In light of the current discourse, there is a positive opportunity for Fiji to advance a more enlightened approach to child discipline. Encouraging non-violent, constructive methods can contribute to healthier learning environments and overall better developmental outcomes for children. With ongoing advocacy, there is hope for a future in which Fiji’s education system prioritizes respect and dignity, allowing children to thrive without the threat of violence.