Some children misunderstand their rights and use the concept as a reason to avoid responsibilities, says Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission commissioner Chantelle Khan.
Ms Khan said there was often confusion around children’s rights, particularly when discussing issues such as corporal punishment and discipline.
“Take children’s rights and corporal punishment as an example. There is often resistance because some people believe children’s rights simply mean children can disobey their parents,” she said.
“That is not what children’s rights are about.”
She said children’s rights focused on ensuring children had access to education, a safe home and protection from violence.
“It is about understanding the depth of those rights.”
Ms Khan said the commission continued to carry out education and awareness programs because Fiji still had progress to make in improving understanding of human rights.
“Apart from handling complaints, we also conduct education and awareness programs because Fiji still has a long way to go in understanding human rights.”
She said the commission worked with schools, church groups and communities to promote awareness.
“Partnerships with traditional leaders were also important in reaching communities.”
Ms Khan said working alongside traditional institutions would help strengthen human rights education across communities.
