It is fundamentally wrong to impose violence on children, according to Nilesh Lal, executive director of Dialogue Fiji. His comments come in response to legal drafter David Solvalu’s recent assertion that reintroducing corporal punishment would violate the constitution and international obligations of Fiji. Lal welcomed Solvalu’s statements as a much-needed defense for children’s rights during the Education Act review consultations taking place in the North.
Lal highlighted the importance of upholding children’s rights, emphasizing that any move to allow corporal punishment would signify a major regression for the nation. He described such practices as morally and legally indefensible, adding that they would tarnish the reputation of any government that sought to legalize them. “It would undermine decades of progress in the protection of children’s rights,” he said.
Dialogue Fiji’s position aligns with ongoing discussions across the community, particularly in light of alarming statistics revealing that five out of six children in Fiji experience abuse or neglect. Furthermore, the Fiji Police have recorded 324 cases of child sexual abuse in the first half of this year, intensifying calls for child protection measures rather than reinstating punitive practices like corporal punishment.
Concerns regarding the ramifications of returning to such disciplinary methods echo sentiments expressed by Pravesh Sharma, chairperson of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. He affirms that corporal punishment violates children’s rights to a safe and supportive educational setting, emphasizing commitments outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
This ongoing dialogue presents an opportunity for stakeholders to reject violence in favor of promoting safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environments. By focusing on constructive, non-punitive disciplinary methods, Fiji can foster a society that prioritizes children’s well-being and advocates for their rights—propelling the nation toward a more compassionate future for its youth.
This situation highlights a collective commitment to enhancing children’s protection and well-being throughout Fiji’s education system. Communities are increasingly focused on championing alternative behavioral management strategies, fostering hope for a future where all children can thrive in supportive and secure settings.
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