Save the Children Fiji has called on the public to stop calling for the reintroduction of corporal punishment as it violated the law.
Chief executive officer, Shairana Ali said recent calls by the Fijian Teachers Association, including suggestions to reintroduce leather belts as a disciplinary measure in schools, were deeply concerning.
Ms Ali said the calls were not only unacceptable and dangerous but illegal under the Child Care and Protection Act of Fiji.
“Anyone who publicly calls for children to be beaten with leather belts in schools is not only violating our laws but also committing a serious child safeguarding breach,” she said.
Ms Ali warned that such statements could incite violence against children and expose individuals to legal and professional consequences.
“Such remarks risk inciting violence against children and carry legal and professional liability.
“Let me be clear, this is not a debate. Corporal punishment is banned. Full stop.”
“It is unconstitutional, violating children’s rights to protection from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment under Section 41 of the Fiji Constitution.”
She also reminded the public that Fiji, as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child since 1993, is obligated to protect children from all forms of violence, including corporal punishment.
“We cannot go backwards.
“Violence is not discipline. The law is clear, and so is the science, corporal punishment harms children physically, emotionally, and developmentally.”
