The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has firmly denounced the recent proposal from the Fijian Teachers Association advocating for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools. According to Commission chair Pravesh Sharma, the practice of corporal punishment is both unconstitutional and unlawful, contradicting children’s rights to a safe, supportive, and violence-free educational environment.
Sharma emphasized that corporal punishment is widely recognized as a form of violence that undermines children’s dignity and violates their rights as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji. Sections 11 (1) and (2) of the Constitution affirm that every individual, including children, has the right to be free from any form of torture and inhumane treatment.
Furthermore, Sharma pointed out that Fiji has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which imposes a legal responsibility on the State to protect children from any form of physical or mental abuse. Notably, Article 37 of the Convention clearly states that no child should undergo torture or any cruel treatment.
Sharma also referred to a significant 2002 ruling by the Lautoka High Court, which declared corporal punishment in schools unconstitutional. He noted that the Ministry of Education’s Child Protection Policy mandates that schools implement measures to safeguard children against all forms of abuse and maintain a zero-tolerance stance on child mistreatment.
Despite these legal protections, the Commission has reported ongoing instances of corporal punishment in schools. Recent complaints have highlighted alarming cases, including the physical abuse of a 15-year-old student by a teacher and other disturbing incidents involving violence among peers.
Sharma called for immediate action from the State and relevant stakeholders to ensure schools are safe and uphold an educational environment based on dignity and respect, advocating for positive discipline methods as effective alternatives to corporal punishment.
In summary, the FHRADC’s firm stance underscores essential human rights protections for children and the pressing need for a safe educational environment. This brings a hopeful message: with continued advocacy and legislative support, there is potential for positive reform in Fiji’s educational practices, ultimately protecting the well-being of all students.
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