FTA sparks controversy with call to reinstate leather belts in schools
Teachers’ association pushes for re-introduction of corporal punishment while Government and human rights groups oppose
Monday 13 October 2025 | 03:00
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro (left), and Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.
Photos: Ronald Kumar; Rariqi Turner
The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has reignited public debate by calling for the return of leather belts as a means of disciplining students.
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said he was advocating for teachers to use leather belts on students’ buttocks when they misbehave, while maintaining that other forms of corporal punishment, such as kicking, slapping, or punching — would remain banned.
“I know I will be up against many people as I am the only one advocating for some form of discipline practiced by teachers in the past,” he said.
“Children need to be afraid of something, so they don’t do wrong. These days, jails are full, teenage pregnancy is increasing, and drug use is on the rise because children are aware of their rights.”
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However, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, said the ministry does not support corporal punishment.
“The ministry is not for corporal punishment, as we have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” Ms Kiran said.
She said parents, teachers, and other stakeholders had been invited to contribute to the national discussion on student discipline.
The Ministry of Education has repeatedly emphasised its zero-tolerance stance on corporal punishment.
Minister Aseri Radrodro recently reaffirmed that corporal punishment remains illegal under Fijian law and said the ministry was working with other government agencies to clarify its position.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection also highlighted that one in five Fijian children has experienced severe physical punishment.
Human rights groups, including Dialogue Fiji, have strongly opposed any move to reinstate corporal punishment.
Executive director Nilesh Lal said such a move would mark a serious step backward for Fiji.
“It is fundamentally wrong, morally indefensible, and legally unjustifiable,” he said.
A 2002 High Court ruling declared corporal punishment in schools unconstitutional, in breach of Section 25(1) of the Fijian Constitution.
