4 February, 2026, 2:34 pm Central - 30°C Rain

National conversation on corporal punishment to take place today

National conversation on corporal punishment to take place today

By Vijay Narayan , Mikaele Liga
13/10/2025

A national conversation on corporal punishment organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection will take place from 2pm today at the University of the South Pacific.

The panelists will include Permanent Secretary for Justice and psychologist Selina Kuruleca, President of Fiji Principals Association Vishnu Sharma, Fijian Teachers Association General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga, Fiji Council of Churches representative Reverend Sitiveni Kua, UNICEF Pacific Social Policy Specialist Akuila Sovanivalu and Samoa Supreme Court Judge, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

The Ministry calls on the people to be part of the national dialogue on the discipline and wellbeing of the child.

FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga has warned that student behavior is deteriorating and called on the Government to consider reintroducing corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure.

While speaking during FTA’s 91st Annual Delegates Conference in August, Manumanunitoga said the general disregard for teachers’ welfare has contributed to severe stress, which in some cases has led to illness and even death.

Fiji’s constitution and laws have a zero tolerance on corporal punishment. The national conversation on corporal punishment will be held at the Japan ICT at the USP Laucala Campus.

FEATURE NEWS
PM must face the consequences alone for his illegal actions - Usamate
In 2024, a man was jailed for a verbal nudge, now in 2026, the current Prime Minister executed a formal, documented, and illegal removal of a constitu...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
Seruiratu tells Rabuka to step aside during appeal process
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu says the if Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is serious about accountability, there is a clear and honourable ...
2 hours ago

Heavy Rain Alert now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby small islands
A Heavy Rain Alert is now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti, Central and Northern Lau group.The Nadi Weather ...
2 hours ago

Hearing on former MSAF CEO's judicial review leave application on March 13th
The hearing on sacked Maritime Authority of Fiji CEO Joweli Cawaki's leave application for a judicial review will be on the March 13th. Cawaki was ...
2 hours ago

Reinstate Malimali as FICAC Commissioner and get this car back on the road - Waqanika
Reinstate Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner and let's get this car back on the road.That is the message from Malimali's counsel, Tanya Waqanika ...
2 hours ago

Our priority is to ensure landowners benefit – TLTB CEO
iTaukei Land Trust Board CEO Solomone Nata highlights the Board’s priority is to ensure landowners of the Nasarava Water Catchment, Mataqali ...
2 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji in Miss Pacific Pageant
Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up and Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, has been officially appointed as Fiji’s representative to next month's Miss ...
13 days ago

Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy - Dialogue Fiji
The National Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy by criminalising political expression, enabling state overreach and excluding young people ...
15 days ago

Shocking move : FNU reassigned under PM
The Fiji National University is being reassigned under the Prime Minister's Office Ministerial Portfolio via the Ministry of Strategic Planning, ...
15 days ago

TOP