Save the Children Fiji has urged the public to reject calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment, emphasizing that such practices violate existing laws and pose serious risks to children. Chief Executive Officer Shairana Ali expressed her deep concern over recent proposals from the Fijian Teachers Association advocating for the use of leather belts as a form of discipline in schools.
Ali described these calls as not only unacceptable but also illegal under the Child Care and Protection Act of Fiji. She made a firm statement: “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.” The organization is alarmed that these statements could incite violence against children and expose individuals to both legal and professional consequences.
Emphasizing the constitutional protections available to children in Fiji, Ali pointed out that corporal punishment is explicitly banned under Section 41 of the Fiji Constitution, which protects children from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. She added that Fiji has been a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child since 1993, which reinforces the obligation to safeguard children from all forms of violence, including corporal punishment. “We cannot go backwards. Violence is not discipline,” she stated.
Ali also highlighted compelling research that indicates corporal punishment inflicts harm on children physically, emotionally, and developmentally. With disturbing statistics revealing that many children in Fiji have faced violent forms of discipline, the ongoing dialogue surrounding discipline methods highlights the urgent need for educational reform.
This controversy reflects a broader commitment to view positive, non-violent approaches to child discipline as the path forward. Advocacy for constructive disciplinary methods not only promotes healthier learning environments but also presents a hopeful vision for a future wherein children can thrive in educational settings free from fear. Transforming attitudes towards discipline could foster a more compassionate society, ensuring the well-being of all children.
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