Reintroducing corporal punishment in Fiji is viewed as a significant step backward in the progress made to protect children’s rights and dignity, according to Chantelle Khan, the Executive Director of the Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) and a Human Rights Commissioner. Her strong condemnation of calls to bring back corporal punishment was sparked by recent discussions among government officials and stakeholders who support its reinstatement in schools.
Khan pointed out that such proposals are in direct violation of Fiji’s national laws as well as international human rights commitments. She emphasizes, “Corporal punishment is not discipline; it is violence.” She advocates that teaching respect through fear or promoting learning through pain is fundamentally misaligned with educational and moral values.
Fiji’s Constitution ensures that every child is protected from cruel and degrading treatment, and the country’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obligates it to shield children from all forms of violence. Khan highlighted concerning statistics from the 2024–2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS Plus), which indicated that 68 percent of children aged 1–14 in Fiji still face violent or psychological punishment. These figures reflect a persistent culture of harmful norms, despite legal protections aiming to safeguard children’s welfare.
Khan stressed that legitimizing corporal punishment would only exacerbate existing violence against children, further eroding trust between adults and the young people they are meant to support. She called on leaders, educators, and communities to recommit to non-violent, rights-based approaches to discipline, urging them to enhance parenting and educational programs that cultivate empathy, communication, and mutual respect.
The ongoing debate surrounding corporal punishment not only emphasizes the need for a cultural shift toward more compassionate disciplinary methods but also serves as a hopeful call to action. Advocates argue that promoting non-violent, positive discipline strategies can lead to healthier educational environments and ultimately contribute to improved social outcomes. This movement for change aims to ensure that children grow up in safe, nurturing conditions where their rights are honored, thereby fostering a brighter future for the next generation in Fiji.