No teacher is to inflict corporal punishment on any student and those who do, will face legal actions by the Court.
The Ministry is issuing a stern warning on corporal punishment, as time and again, the Ministry has been reminding teachers against such brutal disciplinary measures.
Most teachers, in our schools had undergone a number of years of teacher training and one of the things learnt from teacher training is how to deal with indiscipline.
Perhaps, it would be opportune time for teachers to refresh themselves on the most effective means of instilling discipline instead of corporal punishment.
The provision of education in Fiji is based upon a core of intrinsic and enduring values, which include “Human rights, human dignity and responsibility”, “safety and security for all”, “flexibility” and “peace and prosperity” Children are precious.
To inflict abuse on them, for whatever reason can never be justified. Defenseless as they are, to abuse children is most unkind.
Corporal punishment has been banned in Fiji by order of the Lautoka High Court, in 2002.
Justice Jayant Prakash ruled corporal punishment in Fiji’s Criminal Procedure Code, to be in breach of the constitution and is therefore unlawful.
To use corporal punishment for whatever reason would directly contravene this court ruling.
Filipe Bole
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.