FWCC Condemns Corporal Punishment in Schools

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has condemned corporal punishment in schools, saying violence against children can never be justified as discipline.

FWCC said corporal punishment harms children’s physical and emotional well-being and goes against Fiji’s legal and human rights obligations.

The organisation stressed that children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, especially in schools where they should feel safe and supported.

Under the Child Welfare Act 2010, teachers are mandatory reporters, meaning they have a legal duty to identify, report and prevent harm against children.

FWCC said any act of violence by teachers is a serious breach of trust and responsibility.

Fiji is also a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which requires the State to protect children from physical and mental harm.

FWCC said corporal punishment undermines this commitment and sends the wrong message about how behaviour should be managed.

“There is no evidence that corporal punishment leads to better discipline,” the organisation said.

Instead, it said such actions normalise violence and can contribute to harmful behaviours later in life.

FWCC is calling for a shift towards non-violent forms of discipline, including counselling, teacher training and stronger collaboration between schools, parents and communities.

The organisation has also called on the Government and relevant ministries to ensure laws protecting children are properly enforced.

FWCC said safeguarding children is both a legal and moral obligation and must remain a national priority.