Save the Children Fiji has expressed strong opposition to recent calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in both schools and homes. The organization warns that such practices are illegal, unconstitutional, and ultimately harmful to children. This condemnation follows remarks made by members of the Fijian Teachers Association, who suggested that the use of leather belts to discipline students should be reinstated in classrooms.
Shairana Ali, the Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Fiji, stated that these remarks are alarming and represent a serious violation of children’s rights. Ali emphasized, “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.” She further stated that advocating for corporal punishment risks inciting violence against children and could lead to legal ramifications.
The organization highlighted that corporal punishment is explicitly prohibited in all schools under Fijian law and court rulings, breaching protections outlined in Section 41 of the Constitution, which safeguards children from cruel or degrading treatment. Ali noted that Fiji’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) extends this obligation to protect children from all forms of violence.
Research raises significant concerns, revealing that, according to the MICS Plus 2024–2025 survey, 68 percent of Fijian children aged 1–14 experience violent forms of discipline, including physical punishment and psychological aggression, with rural and iTaukei children being disproportionately affected. A related consultation reported in The Fiji Times indicated that 60 percent of respondents supported maintaining corporal punishment within the legal framework of the Education Act.
Ali acknowledged these statistics reflect deep-rooted attitudes towards corporal punishment, underscoring the work needed to educate the public and shift mindsets. “No child should grow up in fear or pain. We need to move decisively towards non-violent, respectful discipline,” she urged.
The ongoing division regarding corporal punishment and its place in Fiji’s education system reflects the need for a cultural shift toward more compassionate disciplinary measures. Advocates for non-violent methods emphasize that promoting positive discipline approaches could lead to healthier learning environments and better developmental outcomes for children.
In this critical discourse, there lies hope for a future where children in Fiji can thrive in educational settings free from fear, supported by reform efforts that favor respect and dignity over punitive measures. The advocacy for a nurturing educational environment fosters a community-driven movement towards protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being.
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