Ethiopia

(31 May 2012, E/C.12/ETH/CO/1-3, Concluding observations on initial-third report, para. 18)

"The Committee notes with concern the high level of child abuse, in particular sexual abuse. The Committee is also concerned that corporal punishment is lawful in the home and alternative care settings for purposes of ‘proper upbringing’, under article 576 of the Criminal Code and article 258 of the Family Code (art.10).

The Committee recommends that the State party take urgent steps to combat and prevent child abuse and neglect, including through establishing effective mechanisms for the reception, monitoring and investigation of reports of cases of child abuse. The Committee also urges the State party to amend its Criminal Code and Family Code as a matter of priority to prohibit corporal punishment in child-rearing in the home and alternative care settings."