Marriage Ministries International (Fiji) has called for the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 to explicitly recognise and protect the rights of parents to make decisions concerning their children’s upbringing, education, care and guidance.
In a submission on the proposed constitutional amendments, the organisation’s national directors, Mataiasi and Aqela Niumataiwalu, recommended changes to Section 41 of the Constitution to strengthen the recognition of parental rights and responsibilities.
The organisation said parents played an irreplaceable role in nurturing their children’s physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual development.
It argued that parents should be protected from unreasonable interference when exercising their responsibilities, provided their decisions were consistent with their children’s rights, evolving capacities and best interests.
The submission referred to Articles 5 and 18 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognise parental responsibilities and the importance of providing appropriate direction and guidance to children.
Marriage Ministries International said recognising parental rights alongside their responsibilities would strengthen family life and affirm the importance of parents in raising future generations.
The organisation also recommended that consideration be given to establishing a national framework or guidelines encouraging couples to undertake premarital education and counselling.
It said such preparation could help couples better understand marriage and develop essential skills in communication, conflict resolution, financial management and shared responsibilities.
According to the submission, these were important foundations for healthy marriages, responsible parenting and stable family relationships.
The directors said Marriage Ministries International had previously made formal and face-to-face submissions on these issues to former Ministers for Women and other government officials.
They welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the constitutional review process and expressed their commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen marriages, parenting and family relationships in Fiji.
The organisation has urged the Parliamentary Special Committee to consider both recommendations as part of its deliberations on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026.
