Corporal punishment - always a breach of children’s human rights - is the most common form of violence against children. Its very widespread social acceptance means that a level of violence in childrearing is normalised, entrenching children’s low status in society and paving the way for other forms of violence and mistreatment. It is associated with a wide range of short and long-term negative impacts, both for the individual and society as a whole.
This high-level conference will make the case for accelerating progress towards universal prohibition and elimination of corporal punishment – as a human rights obligation and a moral imperative, but also as an effective and essential foundation for ending all violence against children. The event will examine how prohibition of corporal punishment can be put into practice, with international examples of leadership and implementation. Speakers will include young people, Governments, human rights, legal and academic experts, and practitioners from around the world. A new report and new guidance will be launched at the conference.