The Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) has voiced strong opposition to the recent public calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in Fiji. Chantelle Khan, SEEP’s Executive Director and Human Rights Commissioner, argues that such a proposal could undermine years of progress in child rights and contradicts Fiji’s national laws as well as international human rights obligations.
Khan describes corporal punishment not as a method of discipline, but as an act of violence, asserting that principles of respect cannot be instilled through fear, nor can effective learning occur through pain. She emphasizes that Fiji’s Constitution provides every child protection from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, a standard also mandated by Fiji’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The situation is exacerbated by alarming statistics from Khan, who cites the World Health Organization’s findings that about 1.2 billion children globally experience corporal punishment annually. Notably, such practices are associated with increased aggression, anxiety, depression, and diminished educational performance, suggestive of deeper psychological impacts.
Khan explains that any effort to normalize corporal punishment would only serve to escalate existing harm, infringing on children’s rights and deteriorating the trust between caregivers and educators. Echoing these sentiments, leaders from organizations such as Save the Children Fiji highlight that corporal punishment contravenes constitutional protections and child welfare laws. They note that recent surveys indicated that a troubling 68 percent of Fijian children aged 1-14 experience various forms of violent discipline.
The conversation surrounding corporal punishment in Fiji also reflects the urgency of shifting societal attitudes towards discipline. Advocates are now calling on leaders, educators, and communities to reaffirm their commitment to non-violent, rights-based methods of discipline. There is a significant push for enhancing public education and parenting programs focused on building empathy and mutual respect.
As the debate continues, there remains hope that fostering an environment devoid of fear and violence will not only benefit educational settings but also pave the way for a compassionate society where children’s rights are prioritized. This movement underscores a collective aspiration towards nurturing practices that promote emotional and psychological well-being, ultimately contributing to healthier learning experiences for future generations in Fiji.
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