The ongoing debate over corporal punishment in Fiji has garnered renewed attention, sparked by remarks from Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Justice. During a recent National Conversation on the topic, she articulated concerns that reintroducing corporal punishment would normalize violence as a means of instilling discipline. Kuruleca emphasized that this practice contributes to the cycle of abuse, as children who experience violent discipline are likely to replicate those behaviors in adulthood.
Citing the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021, Kuruleca noted that approximately 81 percent of children in Fiji have faced violent discipline at home. She argued that such experiences intertwine fear with love, misleading children into believing that these two emotions must coexist. The repercussions of this conditioning extend well beyond childhood, potentially leading to a higher likelihood of violence in adult relationships—a concern echoed by studies indicating that adults who were physically punished as children are nearly twice as likely to accept violence in their own homes.
Kuruleca’s insights are reinforced by alarming statistics regarding child safety in Fiji. Reports reveal that five out of every six children in the country experience abuse or neglect, highlighting the urgent need for a reassessment of disciplinary practices in educational settings. Child welfare advocates, including those from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Save the Children Fiji, have vehemently opposed proposals to reinstate corporal punishment in schools. They argue that utilizing physical discipline contradicts the principles of child rights as outlined in Fiji’s Constitution and various international agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In contrast to the push for corporal punishment, advocates for non-violent discipline emphasize the need for methods grounded in respect and positive reinforcement. As Kuruleca pointed out, traditional Fijian cultural practices historically favored non-violent forms of discipline, focusing on guidance and connection rather than retribution. This perspective aims at fostering emotional resilience and promoting healthier interactions among generations.
While the proposal for corporal punishment reflects frustrations within parts of the educational system—often citing difficulties stemming from insufficient resources—the dialogue surrounding this issue presents a pivotal opportunity for Fiji. Shifting the focus toward supportive disciplinary methods not only aligns with growing child protection standards but also nurtures a compassionate society that prioritizes the rights and well-being of its youth.
The ongoing conversation around discipline offers hope for transformative changes in educational and familial structures in Fiji, guiding the path toward a future where children can thrive in secure, nurturing environments free from fear and violence.
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