Section 41 of the Constitution, which outlines children's rights, should be removed because parents, not the Constitution, should be responsible for raising and disciplining their children - the Constitution Review Commission has been told.
Form 6 student Hefrani Matavou of Jai Narayan College made the submission to the Constitution Review Commission, highlighting five key areas she believes should be considered in an amended Constitution.
Her submission called for the recognition of Christian values and principles, amendments to the Bill of Rights in Chapter 2 of the 2013 Constitution, particularly the right to education under Section 31 and children's rights under Section 41, the recognition of the Great Council of Chiefs, stronger constitutional measures to prevent future coups, and changes to Fiji's electoral system.
Matavou argued that while children are entitled to rights such as a name, nationality, food, water, shelter, care and protection, these responsibilities should primarily rest with parents rather than be guaranteed under the Constitution.
She said parents have a God-given obligation to provide for and discipline their children, adding that no law or Constitution can replace parental responsibility.
Matavou also questioned provisions relating to children in conflict with the law, saying recent changes to the age of criminal responsibility and diversion programmes could be open to abuse.
She believes discipline should begin at home through responsible parenting rather than through constitutional or legal provisions.
She also called for Fiji to be recognised as a Christian State, with Christian values and principles reflected in the Constitution's preamble, arguing that Christianity transformed Fiji and remains central to the country's identity.
Matavou further proposed removing constitutional provisions relating to free education, claiming the policy has become politicised.
Instead, she recommended that funding be redirected towards scholarships for high-achieving students who excel academically.
She also called for the Great Council of Chiefs to be recognised in the Constitution, saying the institution has played an important role in maintaining peace and providing leadership during times of national crisis.
Matavou also urged the Constitution Review Commission to include stronger provisions to prevent future coups, saying those responsible should face the full force of the law while Fiji continues to reconcile and move forward.
She also recommended changes to Fiji's electoral system, suggesting the country return to either the First Past the Post or Alternative Vote System instead of the current Open List Proportional Representation System.
The student also proposed increasing the voting age from 18 to 21 years, arguing that lowering it to 18 was driven by political popularity rather than the country's long-term interests.
While making his submission, Year 13 student Jedidiah Samvelu of Jai Narayan College said law enforcement agencies should be held to a higher standard to better protect the rights of all citizens, including those under arrest.
He raised concerns about police accountability, drug trafficking and the protection of constitutional rights.
Samvelu said people who are arrested or detained remain citizens of Fiji and should be treated with dignity, with their rights protected.
He claimed there have been instances of police brutality and abuse of power, and called for stronger constitutional safeguards to ensure law enforcement agencies are held accountable.
He also raised concerns about the growing drug trade, saying it is becoming one of the biggest challenges facing young people and future generations.
Samvelu urged authorities to review shipping laws and strengthen inspections of shipping containers to prevent illicit drugs from entering the country.
The student also questioned whether the Constitution should provide greater scrutiny of law enforcement agencies, including stronger protection of evidence and increased accountability in the handling of major drug cases.
Samvelu further called for the Constitution to recognise and uphold Christian and cultural values practised by families across Fiji, saying these values are increasingly being challenged.
He also urged the removal of the education scaling policy, arguing that it disadvantages students who work hard and should be replaced with a system that rewards academic merit.
Speaking about the impact of drugs on young people, Samvelu said he has seen students lose hope, struggle with substance abuse and even leave school because of the effects drugs have had on their lives and communities.
Members of the Constitution Review Commission acknowledged his concerns, particularly those relating to police accountability and the protection of citizens' rights, noting that similar issues have also been raised in other submissions received by the Commission.
