CORPORAL punishment should be retained only where physical correction is reasonable, proportionate and lawful, Head of the School of Law at Fiji National University and Law Reform Commissioner Ana Rokomokoti says.
In her submission to the special committee on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, Ms Rokomokoti said parental authority must be exercised in the best interests of children, with due regard to their dignity, safety and developing capacity.
She said the law must distinguish lawful correction from abuse, cruelty and excessive punishment, while ensuring that any protection for parental discipline remained consistent with Fiji’s child-protection obligations and applicable legislation.
“The law must protect children from violence without needlessly criminalising responsible parenting,” she said.
“And must preserve the proper balance between parental authority, family autonomy and the State’s duty to safeguard every child.”
Mrs Rokomokoti also emphasised that parents retained the primary responsibility for raising, nurturing, protecting, disciplining and educating their children.
She said the idea that it took a village to raise a child should not be interpreted as diminishing the responsibility of mothers and fathers to provide care, instil values, shape character and prepare children for responsible citizenship.
