The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has raised concerns after a 16-year-old student was allegedly slapped by a teacher at Gospel High School.
The student's mother, Neeshu Chand, told fijivillage News that the incident occurred last Thursday.
The Commissioner Alefina Vuki says schools must be safe spaces for students and free from bullying, intimidation and all forms of violence.
It says the Constitution provides every person with the right to security and to be free from violence at home, school, work or any other place.
Vuki is calling on Police and the Ministry of Education to promptly and impartially investigate the allegation.
She says appropriate action should be taken in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures, while ensuring due process for everyone involved.
The Commissioner says students should also have safe and confidential access to designated child protection officers in every school and should know how and where to report violence, bullying or other behaviour that threatens their safety and wellbeing without fear of retaliation.
It also acknowledges the pressures faced by teachers, including overcrowded classrooms and growing challenges associated with illicit drugs and substance abuse among students.
Vuki further says teachers should be provided with adequate counselling, psychosocial support and practical assistance to help them manage stressful and complex classroom environments.
She stresses that every child has the right to learn in an environment where their safety, dignity and best interests are protected, adding that violence has no place in schools.
