Bring back corporal punishment, CRC told

A Nadi resident has linked Fiji's growing drug problem, rising crime rates and increasing number of young offenders to the absence of corporal punishment.

Kalivati Nagata urged the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) to consider its return in future constitutional reforms.

Speaking during the commission's consultation in Sikituru Village, Nadi, today, Mr Nagata said children were no longer afraid of the consequences of their actions because corporal punishment had been removed from schools and homes.

He said this had contributed to a decline in discipline and respect among young people.

“We are seeing more drugs, murders and young people ending up in prison. Children are not afraid anymore because there is no corporal punishment,” Mr Nagata said.

“So bring it back.”

Mr Nagata said reintroducing corporal punishment would help restore the values that many older generations grew up with.

“If we have that again, children will return to the way Fiji was before. Respect, manners and discipline will come back,” he said.

He also suggested that provisions allowing corporal punishment should be considered in any future constitutional reforms.

Responding to the submission, CRC chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua said concerns about youth behaviour, crime and social issues had featured in several submissions received by the commission during consultations around the country.

Mr Valenitabua said the commission was listening carefully to the experiences and concerns of ordinary citizens as it gathered views on the kind of future Fijians wanted for the next generation.