Former parliamentarian Niko Nawaikula has expressed that Fiji’s Constitution does not outright ban parents from using corporal punishment as a disciplinary method, provided it does not escalate to degrading treatment. His remarks were made during a consultation held by the Ministry of Policing and Communications regarding the proposed counter-narcotics law, in response to questions from the community during earlier discussions in Nausori.
“The Constitution recognises children’s rights but it also acknowledges parental rights,” Mr. Nawaikula stated. “It does not explicitly prohibit corporal punishment; restrictions come into play only when the treatment becomes serious or humiliating.” He elaborated that the legal definitions surrounding corporal punishment would likely need to be clarified through court rulings, emphasizing that if a child makes a complaint to the police, it will be up to a judge to determine the acceptability of the disciplinary action.
Josevata Waqalala, representing the House of Sarah, stressed the importance of strong family engagement in drug prevention efforts and the necessity of community involvement. “Parents are instrumental in shaping the youth,” he noted, pointing out that conversations like these underline the need for enhanced family guidance while ensuring that children are safeguarded by the law. Waqalala also referenced the wider social implications, highlighting the connection between effective family oversight, drug prevention strategies, and public health issues such as HIV/AIDS.
These discussions underscore the balance that must be struck between parental rights and safeguarding children, signifying a need for continuous dialogue within the community to foster healthier family dynamics and promote youth welfare.
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