http://www.crin.org/docs/NZ_Referendum_Corporal_Punishment.doc

In 2007, New Zealand became the first Westminster-style government (a government based on the parliamentary system first established in the United Kingdom) to ban the corporal punishment of children. Two years later, a cohort of citizens opposed to the ban launched a referendum seeking to have the law repealed, asking the question: “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?" Although the referendum was non-binding, results showed a majority of respondents in favor of limited physical discipline. Nonetheless, citing police data that the new law has not resulted in “good” parents being prosecuted for using minor corrective force, the government has refused to repeal the law and corporal punishment remains illegal in the home.

The materials below track the activities surrounding and immediately following the referendum, and it is hoped that the national and international attention drawn to the debate will encourage other countries to follow suit in taking steps toward ending all forms of violence against children. For continuing updates and further information, visit EPOCH New Zealand or look through the latest CRIN resources on New Zealand.

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• 01/03/2010: PRIMERA INFANCIA: Equidad y calidad en Perú, Etiopía e India
• 28/02/2010: RD Congo: Le Recrutement et l'Utilisation d'Enfants Soldats par les Maï Maï
• 18/02/2010: PROCEDURE DE PLAINTE: Information sur la campagne
• 17/02/2010: The impact of programs relating to child labor prevention and children’s protection: a review of impact evaluations up to 2007
• 17/02/2010: Measuring the educational impact of child labour: Indicators available from common household survey instruments

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Child Rights International Network
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Last updated 07/04/2010 07:06:54

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.