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Cambodia

“The Committee expresses deep concern about allegations that children and adolescent addicted to drugs, children with mental disabilities and children in street situations have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including widespread beatings, whippings and administration of electric shock in drug rehabilitation and youth centres where some of them had been forcibly placed.

“The Committee urges the State party to: ...

b) ensure prompt investigation into allegations of ill treatment and torture of children in those centers and that perpetrators are brought to justice; and

c) set up an independent child-sensitive mechanism to receive complaints against law enforcement officers and to provide victims with redress as already recommended by the Committee against Torture (CAT/C/KHM/CO/2 para. 20).

“While noting that the State party has adopted various legislation to prohibit corporal punishment, the Committee is however concerned that article 1045 of the Civil Code allows a ‘parental power holder to personally discipline the child to the extent necessary’ and that article 8 of the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of the Victims Law implicitly authorizes corporal punishment of children for disciplinary purposes. The Committee expresses concern that physical punishment is frequently viewed as a culturally acceptable form of discipline by parents and teachers and widely practiced in the State party.

“The Committee urges the State party to:

repeal article 1045 of the Civil Code and provisions of the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of the Victims authorizing corporal punishment of children;
enact legislation to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings, including within the family;
ensure that laws prohibiting corporal punishment are effectively implemented and that legal proceedings are systematically initiated against those responsible of violence against children;
introduce public education, awareness-raising and social mobilization campaigns on the harmful effects of corporal punishment with a view to changing the general attitude towards this practice and promote positive, non-violent, participatory forms of child-rearing and education as an alternative to corporal punishment; and
refer to the Committee’s General Comment No. 8 (2006) on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment.”

(20 June 2011-06-22, CRC/C/KHM/CO/2 Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on second/third report, paras. 38, 39, 40 and 41)

Cameroon

"... the Committee is deeply concerned at the very high incidence of abuse within family and in schools in the State party and the lack of statistical data in this regard.

"The Committee recommends the State party to:

(a) Complete as soon as possible the study on violence at home and in schools undertaken by the Ministry of Social Affairs, and assess the scope, nature and causes of these practices in order to adopt effective measures and policies in conformity with article 19 of the Convention, and to contribute to changing attitudes..."

"...The Committee is also concerned at the very high prevalence of violence and sexual abuse against children in schools.

"The Committee recommends that the State party:

...monitor and enforce the ban of corporal punishment at schools and train teachers with alternative measures of discipline;
take measures against teachers who are violent and abusive against students..."

(12 October 2001, CRC/C/15/Add.164, paras. 40, 41, 54 and 55 (f and g))

“The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding observations of the initial report (CRC/C/15/Add.164 of 2001) that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented, including those related to ... corporal punishment....

“The Committee notes with satisfaction that corporal punishment is forbidden in schools and unlawful as a sentence for crime in the penal system. However, the Committee is deeply concerned that corporal punishment still occurs in schools despite the school regulations and remains lawful and frequent in homes. In addition the Committee regrets that it is not explicitly prohibited by the law in alternative care settings and in situations of employment.

“The Committee urges the State party to:

explicitly prohibit by law all forms of corporal punishment in all settings, including the home, alternative care institutions and in situations of employment;
ensure that the existing and future prohibitions are adequately monitored and enforced; and
take into account the Committee’s General Comment No. 8 (2006) on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment.”

(29 January 2010, CRC/C/CMR/CO/2 Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on second report, paras. 8, 37 and 38)

Canada

"Further measures seem to be needed to effectively prevent and combat all forms of corporal punishment and ill-treatment of children in schools or in institutions where children may be placed. The Committee is also preoccupied by the existence of child abuse and violence within the family and the insufficient protection afforded by the existing legislation in that regard.

"The Committee suggests that the State party examine the possibility of reviewing the penal legislation allowing corporal punishment of children by parents, in schools and in institutions where children may be placed. In this regard and in the light of the provisions set out in articles 3 and 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the physical punishment of children in families be prohibited. In connection with the child's right to physical integrity as recognized by the Convention, namely in its articles 19, 28 and 37, and in the light of the best interests of the child, the Committee further suggests that the State party consider the possibility of introducing new legislation and follow-up mechanisms to prevent violence within the family, and that educational campaigns be launched with a view to changing attitudes in society on the use of physical punishment in the family and fostering the acceptance of its legal prohibition".

(20 June 1995, CRC/C/15/Add.37, paras. 14 and 25)

"The Committee, while noting the implementation of some of the recommendations (CRC/C/15/Add.37 of 20 June 1995) it made upon consideration of the State party's initial report (CRC/C/11/Add.3), regrets that the rest have not been, or have been insufficiently, addressed, particularly those contained in: ... paragraph 25, suggesting a review of penal legislation that allows corporal punishment....

The Committee urges the State party to make every effort to address those recommendations contained in the concluding observations on the initial report that have not yet been implemented....

The Committee welcomes the efforts being made by the State party to discourage corporal punishment by promoting research on alternatives to corporal punishment of children, supporting studies on the incidence of abuse, promoting healthy parenting and improving understanding about child abuse and its consequences. However, the Committee is deeply concerned that the State party has not enacted legislation explicitly prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment and has taken no action to remove section 43 of the Criminal Code, which allows corporal punishment.

The Committee recommends that the State party adopt legislation to remove the existing authorization of the use of "reasonable force" in disciplining children and explicitly prohibit all forms of violence against children, however light, within the family, in schools and in other institutions where children may be placed.

The Committee recommends that the State party further improve the quality of education throughout the State party in order to achieve the goals of article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention and the Committee's general comment No.1 on the aims of education by, inter alia:

Adopting appropriate legislative measures to forbid the use of any form of corporal punishment in schools and encouraging child participation in discussions about disciplinary measures."

(27 October 2003, CRC/C/15/Add.215, paras 4, 5, 32, 33 and 45(d))

Cape Verde

"The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment is widely practiced in the home and in schools, and by the police forces against vulnerable groups such as street children.

"The Committee recommends that the State party:

Take steps to end the practice of corporal punishment in schools and in the home.
Conduct, inter-alia, awareness raising and education campaigns to change public attitudes.
Provide training and information on alternative forms of non-violent, discipline, and ensure that these are administered in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in conformity with the Convention, especially articles 19 and 28.2..."

(12 October 2001, CRC/C/15/Add.167, paras. 35 and 36)

Central African Republic

"The Committee is concerned at incidents of police brutality and corporal punishment committed against children, notably in Bangui.

"The Committee recommends that the State party end all acts of violence against children, including corporal punishment, committed by, among others, members of the police forces. The Committee also recommends that the State party provide child rights training programmes for police and detention officials.

"The Committee is concerned at the incidence of abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect of children in the State party, and that insufficient efforts have been made to protect children.

"The Committee recommends that the State party implement measures to address the abuse and neglect of children including, inter alia, through improved monitoring, reporting and responses to such practices. The Committee recommends, in addition, that the State party sensitize parents and the population in general on this issue".

18 October 2000, CRC/C/15/Add.138, paras. 44, 45, 52 and 53)

Chad

"The Committee is concerned about the use of corporal punishment in families, schools and other institutions. It is concerned about existing legislation that allows the use of corporal punishment in families and correctional facilities, and particularly concerned about its continued use in some religious schools in spite of legislation banning corporal punishment in schools. The Committee encourages the State party to review its policies and legislation in order to eliminate corporal punishment as a method of discipline, and to improve enforcement of the legislation banning corporal punishment in schools. It recommends that the State party conduct awareness-raising campaigns to ensure that alternative forms of discipline are administered in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in conformity with the Convention. Finally, the Committee encourages the State party to seek international assistance and advice to overcome traditional social and religious attitudes regarding corporal punishment".

(24 August 1999, CRC/C/15/Add.107, para. 25)

"While the Committee welcomes the fact that corporal punishment has been forbidden in schools, it notes with concern that children are still subjected to corporal punishment in schools, particularly Koranic schools. The Committee also notes with concern that corporal punishment remains lawful in the home, in alternative care centres and as a disciplinary measure in penal institutions.

"The Committee recommends that the State party explicitly prohibit by law corporal punishment in all settings, including in the family, in all forms of schools, alternative childcare and places of detention for juveniles, and implement those laws effectively. It also recommends that the State party intensify its awareness-raising campaigns in order to promote the use of alternative forms of discipline in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in accordance with the Convention, especially article 28, paragraph 2, taking into account the Committee's general comment No.8 on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment (CRC/C/GC/8, 2006)."

(January 2009, CRC/C/TCD/CO/2 Unedited Version, Concluding observations on second report, paras. 45 and 46)

Chile

"The Committee recommends that the Government of the State party consider pursuing the measures adopted to fight situations of child ill-treatment. It stresses the importance of ensuring training activities for the professional groups concerned, as well as of developing mediation measures".

(25 April 1994, CRC/C/15/Add.22, para. 16)

"The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment of children remains socially acceptable in Chile and it is still practised in families, schools and other institutions. It further notes that Chilean legislation does not expressly prohibit corporal punishment.

"In light of articles 3, 19, and 28(2) of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to:

develop measures to raise awareness on the harmful effects of corporal punishment and engage in the promotion of alternative forms of discipline in families to be administered in a manner consistent with the child's dignity and in conformity with the Convention; and
explicitly prohibit corporal punishment in the family, in schools and in other institutions".

(1 Feb 2002, CRC/C/15/Add.173, paras 31 and 32 (a) and (b))

“The Committee reiterates its previous concern (CRC/C/15/Add.173 paras. 31-32) and regrets that article 234 of the Civil Code appears to authorise corporal punishment in the home. Furthermore the Committee notes the lack of statistical data on the number of reported cases and is concerned that corporal punishment continues to occur in the home as well as schools and institutions.

“The Committee recommends that the State party, while taking due account of the General Comment no. 8 of the Committee on the Right of the Child to Protection from Corporal Punishment and Other Cruel or Degrading Forms of Punishment (2006), amends article 234 of the Civil Code and enforce legislation explicitly prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment of children in all settings, including the home. The State party should also conduct awareness raising and public education campaigns against corporal punishment and promote non-violent, participatory methods of childrearing and education.

“With reference to the United Nations Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, the Committee recommends the State party to; a.) take all necessary measures for the implementation of the overarching and setting specific recommendations contained in the Report of the Independent expert of the United Nations Study on Violence against Children (A/61/299) while taking into account the outcome and recommendations of the Regional Consultation for Latin America held in Argentina between 30 May and 1 June 2005.

b) use these recommendations as a tool for action in partnership with civil society and in particular with the involvement of children to ensure that every child is protected from all forms of physical, sexual and mental violence and to gain momentum for concrete and, where appropriate, time-bound actions to prevent and respond to such violence and abuse.

c) seek technical assistance from UNICEF, OHCHR and WHO for the above mentioned purposes.”

(2 February 2007, CRC/C/CHL/CO/3 Unedited Version, paras 40, 41 and 50)

China

"The Committee suggests that further attention be accorded to reviewing the effectiveness of procedures available to children for the presentation and investigation of complaints of their abuse or neglect, in the event of such violations arising from, inter alia, domestic violence and abuse in institutions or detention facilities".

(7 June 1996, CRC/C/15/Add.56, para. 33)

“The Committee is concerned that in mainland China the existing regulations banning corporal punishment in schools are unevenly implemented. It is also concerned that corporal punishment is not banned in the home and continues to be socially acceptable.

The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment within the family is not prohibited by law and continues to be practiced in the home in Hong Kong and Macau SARs.

The Committee urges the State party, in all areas under its jurisdiction, to:

explicitly prohibit by law corporal punishment in the family, schools, institutions and all other settings, including penal institutions; and,
expand public education and awareness-raising campaigns with the involvement of children on alternative non-violent forms of discipline in order to change public attitudes about corporal punishment.”

(30 September 2005, Unedited version, CRC/C/15/Add.271, paras. 46, 47 and 48)

Colombia

"Educational campaigns should be undertaken to reduce violence in society and in the family and to combat prejudice on the basis of gender".

(7 February 1994, CRC/C/15/Add.15, para. 15)

"With regard to its recommendations on the situation of domestic violence (see CRC/C/15/Add.30, para. 21), the Committee welcomes the adoption of special legislation criminalizing domestic violence, but it remains concerned that physical and sexual abuse - within and outside the family - still widely exist in society. Concern is also expressed at the insufficient allocation of resources, both financial and human, as well as at the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat such abuse. The insufficiency of rehabilitation measures and facilities for victims and their limited access to justice are also matters of concern.

"In the light of, inter alia, articles 19 and 39 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, including reinforcing current multidisciplinary programmes and rehabilitation measures to prevent and combat child abuse and ill-treatment of children within the family, at school and in society at large. It suggests, inter alia, that law enforcement should be strengthened with respect to such crimes and that procedures and mechanisms to deal with complaints of child abuse should be reinforced in order to provide children with prompt access to justice and to avoid impunity for the offenders. Furthermore, educational programmes should be established to combat traditional attitudes within society regarding this issue. The Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking international cooperation to this effect from, inter alia, UNICEF".

(16 October 2000, CRC/C/15/Add.137, paras. 45 and 46)

“The Committee regrets the lack of statistics on the number of reported cases and is concerned that corporal punishment continues to occur in the school, the home and in institutions.

“The Committee recommends the State party to enforce legislation explicitly prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment of children in all settings, including the home. The State party should also conduct awareness raising and public education campaigns against corporal punishment and promote non-violent, participatory methods of childrearing and education, while taking due account of the General Comment no. 8 of the Committee on the Right of the Child to Protection from Corporal Punishment and Other Cruel or Degrading Forms of Punishment (2006).”

(2 June 2006, Unedited Version CRC/C/COL/CO/3, paras 61 and 62)

Comores, The Islamic Federal Republic of the

"Concern is expressed at the insufficient awareness regarding the harmful consequences of ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse, both within and outside the family. While aware that the draft family code aims at the protection of the dignity of the child, the Committee is concerned that the practice of corporal punishment in the home is socially and legally accepted, particularly for boys. The practice of corporal punishment in Koranic schools is also a matter of concern.

"The Committee recommends that the State party take effective measures, to prevent and combat child abuse and ill-treatment of children within the family, at school and in other institutions, and in society at large. Furthermore, educational programmes should be established to combat traditional attitudes in society regarding this issue. In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party include in its legislation a specific prohibition on the use of corporal punishment within the family and at school. The Committee encourages the State party to consider seeking to this effect international cooperation from, inter alia, UNICEF and international non-governmental organizations".

(23 October 2000, CRC/C/15/Add.141, paras. 31 and 32)

Cook Islands

“The Committee notes the legal review undertaken by the State party of the Education Act that aims at banning all forms of corporal punishment in schools. The Committee also notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts to combat domestic violence, including through the legal review of the Crimes Act and Family law Bill that, among others, aim to provide wider protection for child victims of domestic violence. However, the Committee expresses its concern about:

the prevalence of violence against children including corporal punishment used in all settings and especially in the home, where it remains lawful;
that cases of domestic violence against children do not receive the adequate treatment from the police; and
that child victims of violence are not aware of reporting procedures and thus many such cases go unreported.

“Recalling its General Comment No. 8 (2006) on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment and its General Comment No. 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence, the Committee recommends that the State party:

prohibit corporal punishment in all settings including in the family, schools and in institutions for children, in this regard the State party is urged to accelerate the adoption of the Education Amendment Bill;
introduce public education, on the harmful effects of corporal punishment, with a view to changing the general attitude towards this practice, and promote positive, non-violent, participatory forms of child-rearing and education as an alternative to corporal punishment;
extend application of the existing ‘no drop’ policy in the State party, to child victims of domestic violence so that prosecution of such cases will proceed despite victims’ non-cooperation;
strengthen the Police Domestic Violence Unit, by providing adequate human, technical and financial resources to fulfil its role effectively, and strengthen child rights training for law enforcement personnel, in order to ensure that they can provide adequate support to child victims;
take all necessary measures to ensure that child victims of violence are aware of the reporting procedures so as to encourage them to report cases of domestic violence to the authorities; and
cooperate with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children and seek technical assistance, inter alia, from UNICEF and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).”

(3 February 2012, CRC/C/COK/CO/1 Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on initial report, paras. 32 and 33)

Costa Rica

"The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its information and advocacy campaigns at the community and family levels. The Committee therefore suggests that efforts should be made to widen educational campaigns to focus on gender discrimination and the role of parents, particularly with respect to the prevention of violence and abuse in the family and the problems associated with early marriage and early pregnancy".

(18 October 1993, CRC/C/15/Add.11, para.16)

"The Committee expresses its concern about the inadequate enforcement of the prohibition on the use of corporal punishment in schools and other institutions and in the penal system. In addition, the Committee expresses its concern that the practice of physical punishment of children in the home is not expressly prohibited by law and remains regarded as socially acceptable. The Committee recommends that the State party prohibit the use of corporal punishment in the home and take effective measures to enforce the legal prohibition of corporal punishment in schools and other institutions and in the penal system. The Committee further recommends that the State party undertake educational campaigns for the development of alternative disciplinary measures for children at home, in schools and other institutions".

(24 February 2000, CRC/C/15/Add.117, para. 17)

“The Committee welcomes the efforts made by the State party to sensitize the different actors involved on the need to eradicate corporal punishment in the family, in school and in other institutions, and the fact that the Legislative Assembly is examining a bill prohibiting corporal punishment. The Committee remains however concerned at the fact that corporal punishment is still not explicitly prohibited in domestic law, as recommended by the Committee in its previous concluding observations, and still perceived as ‘sometimes necessary’ by a large portion of the population (CRC/C/15/Add.117, para. 7).

The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party should incorporate the prohibition of corporal punishment in its legislation and continue to take appropriate measures to raise the awareness of the general public on the negative consequences of corporal punishment and other forms of violence in the upbringing of children, and to sensitize parents, teachers and other working with and forms children about the alternative, non violent means of discipline in light of article 28.2 of the Convention.”

(3 June 2005, Unedited version, CRC/C/15/Add.265, paras. 31 and 32)

“The Committee welcomes as positive steps the adoption of the following legislative measures: ...

c) Act No. 8654 on the Rights of children and adolescents to be disciplined without physical punishment or degrading treatment, in 2008; ...

“The Committee notes that the National Plan for the Prevention of Violence and the Promotion of Peace (2007) is being evaluated and that a new plan is being drafted to include drug trafficking and consumption. It also welcomes the programme Windows of Peace 2010-2014 including the proclamation of ‘child-friendly’ cantons. However, the Committee notes with concern:…

tendencies in the media and in the legislature promoting zero tolerance or mano dura policies to prevent delinquency among children and adolescents in vulnerable situations, in particular children in street situations; and
continued allegations of ill-treatment of juveniles in detention and in penal institutions, despite the fact that Act No. 8654 (2008) on the Rights of children and adolescents to be disciplined without physical punishment or degrading treatment and Act No. 8649 (2008) on the Application of juvenile criminal penalties prohibit the use of corporal punishment and degrading treatment by the staff of juvenile detention centres and penal institutions.

“The Committee urges the State party to ensure that plans to prevent violence and promote peace are adequately implemented and evaluated so that they discourage repressive and retrogressive actions against children and adolescents, in particular those in vulnerable situations. It also urges the State party to investigate and prosecute all cases of ill-treatment of children by police officers and prison guards, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Committee welcomes the adoption of Act No. 8654 (2008) on the Rights of children and adolescents to be disciplined without physical punishment or degrading treatment, prohibiting corporal punishment and degrading treatment of children or adolescents by parents, guardians, alternative caregivers and the staff of educational, health, day-care and juvenile detention centres. However, it remains concerned that corporal punishment is still perceived as sometimes necessary by a large percentage of the population, that the Office of the Ombudsman has received a high number of complaints and queries from children and adolescents regarding mistreatment by teachers, and that perpetrators are only being held criminally responsible when the corporal punishment has resulted in physical injuries.

“In light of article 28 (2) of the Convention and of General Comment Nº 8 (2006) on the right of the child to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment, the Committee recommends that the State party:

ensure the full implementation of Act No. 8654 prohibiting corporal punishment, that all cases of corporal punishment are effectively investigated and prosecuted and that perpetrators, including teachers, are being held criminally responsible, irrespective of whether or not such punishment has resulted in physical injuries of the child;
continue to take appropriate measures to raise the awareness of the general public, including children, on the unlawfulness and the negative consequences of corporal punishment and other forms of violence in the upbringing of children; and
sensitize parents, teachers and others working with and for children about alternative, non-violent forms of discipline.”

(17 June 2011, CRC/C/CRI/CO/4 Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on fourth report, paras. 4, 43, 44, 45 and 46)

Côte d'Ivoire

"the Committee is concerned at the incidence of abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect of children in the State Party, and that insufficient efforts have been made to protect children.

"the Committee recommends that the State Party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and child abuse, including sexual abuse, to understand the scope and nature of these practices, and in order to adopt effective measures and policies, and to contribute to changing attitudes".

(8 June 2001, CRC/C/15/Add.155, paras. 36 and 37)

Croatia

"The Committee takes note with satisfaction of the efforts to bring domestic law and practice into line with the principles and provisions of the Convention, including the enactment of legislation on the family and on the protection of children against all types of abuse".

(13 February 1996, CRC/C/15/Add.52, para. 4)

“The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Law on the Protection against Domestic Violence (2003) which prohibits corporal punishment within the family and of various other legal instruments to prevent and combat domestic violence (e.g. Criminal Code, Family Act) but remains concerned about incidents of domestic violence.

In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party:

undertake a comprehensive study on violence, more particularly, on sexual abuse and violence at home and school in order to assess the extent, the causes, scope and nature of these violations;
strengthen awareness-raising and education campaigns with the involvement of children in order to prevent and combat child abuse and to promote positive, non-violent forms of discipline and respect for children’s rights, while raising awareness about the negative consequences of corporal punishment…."

(1 October 2004, Unedited Version CRC/C/15/Add.243, paras 49 and 50 (a, b))

Cuba

"While the Committee takes note of the State party's efforts to deal with the issue of child abuse, including through the establishment of an early warning system for violence against children, it is of the view that these measures are insufficient to fully protect children from such violations. Furthermore, serious concern remains in relation to a child's opportunity to report abuse and other violations of his/her rights in the family, schools or other institutions and to have a complaint taken seriously and responded to effectively.

"The Committee recommends that further measures to protect children from abuse and maltreatment be undertaken, in particular through the development of a widespread public information campaign for the prevention of corporal punishment and bullying of children, whether by adults or by other children".

(18 June 1997, CRC/C/15/Add.72, paras. 19 and 35)

“While taking note that the provision on “adequate and moderate” punishment will be removed from the new Draft Family Code, as indicated during the dialogue, the Committee is concerned that provisions allowing for such punishment against children by their parents and guardians (arts. 86 and 152 of the Family Code) are still in force in the State party. The Committee is further concerned that corporal punishment is often used at school and in social institutions as a measure of “discipline”.

“The Committee recommends that corporal punishment, in any form, be explicitly banned and that the State party conduct public awareness campaigns and provide information on alternative non-violent forms of discipline, parental guidance and counselling with the view to eliminating all forms of corporal punishment against children. The Committee urges the State party to prioritize the adoption of the draft Family Code. In this regard, the Committee draws the State party’s attention to its general comment no. 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence and its general comment no. 8 (2006) on corporal punishment.”

(20 June 2011, CRC/C/CUB/CO/2 Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on second report, paras. 36 and 37)

Cyprus (Second Report)

"The Committee recommends that the State party, in keeping with the findings of the Study, to adopt adequate measures and policies to contribute to changing attitudes, including the prohibition of corporal punishment in the family supported by well targeted awareness campaigns on inter alia alternative ways of disciplining children.

Furthermore it encourages the State party to adopt measures and ensure sufficient human and financial resources to ensure the implementation of the Law for the prevention of domestic violence. The Committee invites the State party to include specific information in its next periodic report on follow-up to cases of abuse reported to the social welfare services, as well as information on the announced second research on the extent of child abuse in Cyprus."

(6 June 2003, Unedited Version CRC/C/15/Add.205, para 46)

Czech Republic

"The Committee is concerned that corporal punishment is still used by parents and that internal school regulations do not contain provisions explicitly prohibiting corporal punishment, in conformity with articles 3, 19 and 28 of the Convention.

(21 October 1997, CRC/C/15/Add.81, paras. 18 and 35)

"The Committee is concerned that there is no legislation explicitly prohibiting corporal punishment, and is concerned that it is practised in the family, in schools and in other public institutions including alternative care contexts."

"The Committee recommends that the State party take action to address ill-treatment and abuse committed against children in the family, in schools, in the streets, in institutions and in places of detention through, inter-alia:

taking all necessary steps to enact legislation prohibiting the use of corporal punishment in schools, institutions, in the family and in any other context;
making use of legislative and administrative measures, as well as public education initiatives to end the use of corporal punishment and ensuring this is adhered to..."

(31 January 2003, Unedited Version CRC/C/15/Add.201, paras 40 and 41 (f;g))

“While noting that the corporal punishment of children is prohibited in public care, the Committee notes with concern there that is still no legislation which explicitly prohibits corporal punishment of children in all settings, including in the family. The Committee is also concerned at the fact that according to surveys undertaken by the State party, the vast majority of Czech citizens expressed acceptance of corporal punishment in a child’s upbringing.

“The Committee urges the State party to address the widespread tolerance of corporal punishment by, inter alia, conducting awareness-raising and public education programmes with a view to encouraging the use of alternative disciplinary measures in accordance with the inherent dignity of the child, and in doing so, ensure that corporal punishment is prohibited in all settings including the family.

“The Committee welcomes the State party joining the initiatives of the Council of Europe and the United Nations to prevent and ban the corporal punishment of children and drawing up a National Strategy of Preventing Violence against Children (2008-2018) as well as its accompanying National Action Plan (2009-2010).

“To further strengthen the State party’s current initiatives, the Committee encourages the State party to continue to:

prioritize the elimination of all forms of violence against children and ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations study on violence against children (A/61/299), taking into account the outcome and recommendations of the regional consultation for Europe and Central Asia, held in Ljubljana from 5 to 7 July 2005, paying particular attention to gender;
provide information concerning the implementation by the State party of the recommendations of the above-mentioned study in its next periodic report, particularly those highlighted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children, namely:
1. the development in each State of a national comprehensive strategy to prevent and address all forms of violence against children;
2. the introduction of an explicit national legal ban on all forms of violence against children in all settings; and
3. the consolidation of a national system of data collection, analysis and dissemination, and a research agenda on violence against children. ...”

(17 June 2011, CRC/C/CZE/CO/3-4 Advance Unedited Version, Concluding observations on third/fourth report, paras. 39, 40, 41 and 42)

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