Teachers question Child Rights Convention
Union argues Fiji’s ratification of UN convention may clash with local realities and teacher rights.
Tuesday 14 October 2025 | 00:00
Fiji Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.
Photo: Ministry of Education
The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has questioned Fiji’s support for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, raising concerns that the convention fuels growing student problems in schools.
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga questioned whether Fiji’s signing of the convention involved nationwide consultation.
Fiji ratified the convention in 1993, prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment by ensuring States protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse.
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“Now we’re trying to find out whether when this Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed, was there any consultation done, or did the Fiji representative just went and signed? We need to hear the voice of the people,” Mr Manumanunitoga said.
Speaking at the public discussion on corporal punishment at the University of the South Pacific in Suva yesterday, Mr Manumanunitoga argued that Fijians were being forced to comply with international standards that might not reflect local realities.
“We think the issue of corporal punishment needs wide consultation. We need to get to the villages and find out whether they are supporting this convention,” he said.
He said while strategies such as counselling and guidance were promoted, the rights of teachers were often overlooked.
“Teachers are suffering in schools. There have been cases where their rights have been violated,” he said, stressing the need for a document outlining teachers’ rights.
Mr Manumanunitoga raised concerns about the consequences under Fiji’s 2013 Constitution for parents disciplining their children at home.
“If you give your child a hiding and someone calls the Police, you can be locked up, interrogated, and your child removed from your family. That’s how serious it is,” he said.
While FTA does not advocate unrestricted corporal punishment, Mr Manumanunitoga suggested a controlled approach under strict supervision.
“We are suggesting it be only with the head of the school and following strict conditions. Even a belt on a teacher’s table acts as a deterrent for students,” he said.
Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj
