The objectives of this Conference are to:
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examine the Swiss legislation in light of the international norms as well as the legal framework of child protection in countries which have banned corporal punishment and other cruel and degrading practices,
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analyze the use of corporal punishment in the upbringing of children in Switzerland as well as its effects on their health and development,
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identify the psychosocial and economic remedies that effectively support parents and families to reduce the use of negative and violent educational practices,
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critically highlight, on the one hand, the social and professional positions that defend the use of corporal punishment as an educational tool and, on the other, the gradual evolution of attitudes that promote the adoption of so-called positive educational practices,
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elaborate recommendations in a final conference statement with the contribution of all the participants in order to support both a grassroots citizen campaign and a strong political initiative to adopt a law in the Swiss Civil Code clearly and explicitly banning all corporal punishment of children.
This high-level event represents a continuation of the research carried out by the organizing institutions on children’s rights and the protection of minors. It is conceived as an interdisciplinary dialogue that nourishes both the action in the field as well as the scientific research. The conference also seeks to generate a boost to support:
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the realization of the Objective 16.2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children,
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all legislative measures so that, by the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children in Switzerland can hope to be effectively protected from all forms of educational violence.