European Committee of Social Rights, 2016

OBSERVATIONS/DECISIONS ON CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF SOCIAL RIGHTS' CONCLUSIONS ON STATES EXAMINED IN 2016

Czech Republic

(October 2016, Follow-up to the Complaint No. 96/2013 - Association for the Protection of all Children (APPROACH) Ltd v. Czech Republic)

“The Committee concluded that Article 17 of the 1961 Charter had been violated on the ground that not all forms of corporal punishment that is likely to affect the physical integrity, dignity, development or psychological well-being of children, were prohibited.

“The Government indicates in the information registered on 15 November 2015 that there have been no changes to the situation

“There has been no change to the situation. The Committee finds that it has not been brought into conformity with the 1961 Charter.

“The Committee will next assess the situation on the basis of the information to be submitted in October 2016.”

Slovenia

(October 2016, Follow-up to the Complaint No. 96/2013 - Association for the Protection of all Children (APPROACH) Ltd v. Slovenia)

“The Committee concluded that Article 17 of the Charter had been violated on the ground that not all forms of corporal punishment that is likely to affect the physical integrity, dignity, development or psychological well-being of a child, were prohibited.

“The Government stated in the information registered on 15 February 2016 that it intends to enact an explicit prohibition of corporal punishment of children within the family and other settings. In 2015, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities began drafting new legislation on the family and the protection of children’s rights. An explicit prohibition of corporal punishment will be incorporated. This legislation will be submitted to Government during 2016.

“In addition, the Government intends to legislate to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment of children in educational and training settings. Amendments to the Organisation and Financing of Education Act have been prepared by the relevant Ministry and will be submitted to Government in 2016.

“The Committee notes the positive developments, however as the situation at present remains unchanged, the Committee finds that the situation has not yet been brought into conformity with the Charter.

“It will next assess the situation on the basis of the information to be submitted in October 2016.”