Commission calls for religious targeting investigation

Fiji's Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is calling for enhanced child protection and safeguarding measures in schools following reports of a student allegedly being singled out due to their religion during a discussion led by an external visitor at a prominent secondary school. The Commission expressed concern over circulating social media footage depicting the alleged incident during school hours. While investigations are ongoing to establish the facts, the Commission stated that the allegations are serious and warrant thorough examination. Any situation where a child feels targeted, pressured, humiliated, or excluded based on religion, beliefs, identity, or background raises significant human rights and child protection concerns. The Commission stressed that schools must be environments where all students feel valued, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, background, or beliefs, and that no child should face discrimination, intimidation, or treatment that undermines their well-being or educational experience. Child safeguarding, the FHRADC noted, extends beyond physical harm to include protection from emotional and psychological harm, bullying, and inappropriate behavior. The Commission reminded stakeholders that Fiji's Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, and that a child cannot be required to participate in religious observances of a different faith without parental consent. It also cited the constitutional provision that the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in all matters concerning them. The FHRADC urged the Ministry of Education to investigate the matter promptly and fairly. It also recommended reviewing policies for external visitors to ensure proper vetting and supervision, and advised schools to strengthen safeguarding policies, implement codes of conduct for visitors, provide training on child rights and religious diversity, and establish accessible channels for raising concerns.

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Every child has the right to learn in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.