The discussion surrounding the potential reintroduction of corporal punishment in Fiji has been met with strong opposition from child rights advocates like Chantelle Khan, Executive Director of the Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) and a Human Rights Commissioner. Khan has firmly condemned the idea, stating that such a move would represent a significant regression in the advancement of children’s rights and dignity in the country. The push for reinstating corporal punishment has emerged amidst talks among government officials and other stakeholders.
Khan highlighted that proposals to revert to corporal punishment contravene Fiji’s national laws and violate international human rights agreements. She emphasized that “Corporal punishment is not discipline; it is violence,” underlining the fundamental misalignment of using fear-based methods for teaching respect and facilitating learning.
Fiji’s Constitution provides strong protections against cruel treatment of children, and the nation’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obligates it to protect children from all forms of violence. Recent statistics from the 2024-2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS Plus) reveal that an alarming 68 percent of children aged 1 to 14 in Fiji are still subjected to violent or psychological forms of punishment. This data underscores a worrisome prevalence of harmful practices, despite existing legal frameworks designed to ensure children’s safety.
Khan warned that legitimizing corporal punishment would likely exacerbate the cycle of violence against children, diminishing the trust that should exist between adults and young people. She urged leaders, educators, and communities to refocus their efforts on non-violent, rights-based strategies for discipline, advocating for enhanced parenting and educational programs that encourage empathy, understanding, and respect.
The ongoing debate not only highlights the urgent need for cultural change towards more compassionate disciplinary approaches but also serves as a hopeful rallying cry for action. Advocates for child rights stress that embracing positive and non-violent discipline methods can foster healthier educational environments and lead to better social outcomes. This movement aims to help ensure that children in Fiji grow up in safe and nurturing settings where their rights are respected, ultimately paving the way for a more promising future for upcoming generations.