The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission strongly denounces any form of abuse—physical or emotional—against children, especially under the pretense of “teaching” or discipline.
A recent viral video allegedly shows a man, believed to be the father of two toddlers, verbally and physically abusing them while attempting to teach them to count from 1 to 10.
Disturbingly, it appears the mother is recording the incident.
Commission Chair Pravesh Sharma says using violence as a teaching method is harmful, unacceptable, and detrimental to a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, often leading to lasting trauma.
He says this behavior is intolerable and must be investigated immediately by the police and the Child Protection Unit under the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection.
Sharma also says corporal punishment is a crime and has no place in any home or learning environment as children thrive in safe, supportive, and loving spaces—not through fear or violence.
He says to protect and nurture our children is to prioritize their emotional and psychological health, allowing them to grow with confidence and security.
Sharma adds breaking their spirits through abuse cannot and must not be tolerated.
Police are investigating the matter while the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection says they are looking into the matter with law enforcement agencies.
If you believe a child is being abused then please call child helpline 1325 to report cases of abuse.
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