For a child, discipline should teach, not hurt.

A proposed constitutional provision is now raising concern over where the line will be drawn between correction and violence.

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is warning that children could be left vulnerable if the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill allows corporal punishment described as “lawful and moderate chastisement.”

In a statement by the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission commissioner, Alefina Vuki argues that what may be considered moderate by an adult can still be violence against a child, and that children should have the same protection from violence at home, school and elsewhere.

“The Commission’s position is clear; there can be no compromise on protecting children from violence. The standard should be zero tolerance for violence against children and not be ‘moderate’ punishment” Commissioner Vuki highlighted.
The Commission is also concerned that allowing moderate chastisement could conflict with other parts of the proposed Bill which protect everyone from violence and require the best interests of the child to come first.

“A law cannot claim to protect children from violence while simultaneously legitimizing certain forms of violence against them” she said.
Commissioner Vuki highlighted that discipline does not have to involve physical punishment, with children instead needing guidance, support and correction that respects their dignity.

“Positive discipline means teaching and correcting children in ways that are respectful, non-violent and suitable for their age, development and circumstances” she continued.

The Commission is calling on Parliament and Government to remove the phrase “lawful and moderate chastisement” from the Bill, saying children’s safety and dignity should not be compromised in the name of discipline.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa