Reintroducing corporal punishment in Fiji faces significant opposition from various child rights advocates, who warn that such a move could endanger the progress made in protecting the rights and dignity of children. Chantelle Khan, executive director of the Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) and Human Rights Commissioner, strongly criticized the recent calls from some government officials and stakeholders advocating for this controversial practice. She emphasized that these proposals contradict Fiji’s national laws and international human rights obligations, asserting, “Corporal punishment is not discipline; it is violence.”
Khan highlighted the importance of Fiji’s Constitution, which protects children from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, alongside the country’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that mandates state measures to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence. She referenced findings from the recent 2024-2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS Plus), which indicated that 68 percent of Fijian children aged 1–14 still face violent or psychological forms of punishment, a troubling sign that harmful disciplinary norms persist despite existing legal protections.
Advocates like Khan argue that any attempt to normalize corporal punishment would only exacerbate existing harm, violating children’s rights and undermining the trust necessary between caregivers, teachers, and the children they educate. There is a collective call among leaders, educators, and communities to reaffirm a commitment to non-violent, rights-based methods of discipline while enhancing parenting and public education programs that encourage empathy, communication, and mutual respect.
The conversation surrounding the reintroduction of corporal punishment also encapsulates the urgency for a broader cultural shift towards more compassionate disciplinary measures. Critics of corporal punishment, including representatives from organizations like Save the Children Fiji, have voiced concerns that reinstating such practices could perpetuate a cycle of violence and regression in societal values regarding child-rearing. They argue for positive disciplinary approaches that prioritize children’s emotional and psychological well-being and ultimately contribute to better educational experiences.
As the debate continues, there is hope that through collaborative efforts, Fiji can foster environments in schools devoid of fear and violence. These discussions are pivotal for nurturing practices that not only advance children’s rights but also pave the way for a more compassionate society where children can flourish academically and emotionally.
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