‘Corporal Punishment Violates Rights of a Child’

It is fundamentally wrong, morally indefensible and legally unjustifiable to impose violence on children.

Children are one of the most vulnerable and weak groups in society, physically hurting them in intolerable says Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal.

Mr Lal made the remarks yesterday after welcoming recent statements by legal drafter David Solvalu, who affirmed that the reintroduction of corporal punishment would be unconstitutional and breached Fiji’s international obligations.

He applauded Mr Solvalu’s position, describing it as a much-needed voice of reason during the Education Act review and consultations in the North this week.

“It is reassuring to see that amidthe medieval-level pushed by several individuals advocating for the return of corporal punishment, there remains a clear and principled commitment to upholding the rights of children,” Mr Lal said.

The organisation emphasised that any move to legalise corporal punishment would represent a major regression for the country.

“Such a step would be an international embarrassment and a stain on the reputation of any government that does it,” he said.

“It would undermine decades of progress in the protection of children’s rights.”

Dialogue Fiji commended the consultation process for highlighting Fiji’s constitutional protections under Section 41 and the nation’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The organisation urges all stakeholders to reject any proposals that seek to legitimise violence in the education system, but instead promote safe, respectful and nurturing learning environments for all children.

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