The Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) has expressed strong condemnation regarding recent public calls to reintroduce corporal punishment in Fiji. Chantelle Khan, the Executive Director of SEEP and Human Rights Commissioner, stated that this proposal threatens to undermine years of progress in safeguarding children’s rights and dignity, while also contradicting both national legislation and international human rights obligations.
Khan emphasized that corporal punishment does not equate to discipline but is rather a form of violence. She stated, “We cannot teach respect through fear, nor promote learning through pain,” highlighting the need for a more humane approach to child discipline. The Fijian Constitution explicitly protects children from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, further reinforced by Fiji’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This treaty obliges the state to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence.
The negative impact of corporal punishment is well-documented, with the World Health Organization estimating that 1.2 billion children globally experience this form of punishment each year. Research shows no evidence supporting its effectiveness, and instead links physical punishment to numerous adverse outcomes, including increased aggression, anxiety, depression, and diminished educational performance. Khan cautioned that the legitimization of corporal punishment would exacerbate these harms, violating children’s rights and damaging the essential trust between caregivers, educators, and the youth they serve.
The concerns surrounding corporal punishment have gained traction, echoed by organizations like Save the Children Fiji, which has previously voiced strong opposition to its reintroduction. Shairana Ali, CEO of Save the Children Fiji, noted that such practices are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to children’s safety and development. The urgency of addressing this issue is further underscored by alarming statistics revealing that a significant portion of Fijian children experience violent forms of discipline.
SEEP, along with other advocacy groups, is calling upon leaders, educators, and communities to reaffirm Fiji’s commitment to non-violent, rights-based approaches to discipline. There is a collective push for public education initiatives and parenting programs that focus on building empathy, communication, and mutual respect in child-rearing practices. These movements toward positive disciplinary methods carry the hope of fostering a future where children can thrive in safe, supportive educational environments free from fear and violence, ultimately leading to healthier communities conducive to respectful coexistence.