Laos Corporal Punishment: At current rate, 60 years needed to meet 2030 target of global prohibition
As Laos becomes the 66th country to outlaw corporal punishment, analysis by Save the Children suggests it will take another 60 years to meet the global target to eliminate of all forms of corporal punishment, unless the current rate of progress is sped up [1].
The 2030 target of universal prohibition of corporal punishment is part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of goals agreed by Member States in 2015 to end poverty and inequality by 2030. However, progress has been slow with around two countries per year enacting a ban, leaving the world far behind its ambitions
Today’s announcement by the Laos government, on the International Day to End Corporal Punishment, makes Laos the first country in Southeast Asia to achieve this crucial milestone in child rights.
Corporal punishment is the most common form of violence against children worldwide with around 4 in 5 children aged between 2 and 14 experiencing corporal punishment in their home every year [2]. Only 20 countries have prohibited corporal punishment in the nine years since the SDGs were adopted, compared with 30 countries in the nine years before 2015. A further 27 countries have publicly committed to reforming their laws - which if enacted, would protect a further 288 million children [3].
Corporal punishment takes many forms, including smacking or slapping, kicking, shaking, burning and forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions. It also includes non-physical humiliating treatment which belittles the child. , the physical and mental punishment of children at the hands of parents, teachers and caregivers leads to the deaths of thousands of children every year with many more seriously injured. It also results in the diminished psychosocial wellbeing of countless children and has a profound impact on their healthy development.
Luke Ebbs, Country Director, Save the Children in Laos said:
“The prohibition of corporal punishment of children in all settings by the Government of Laos PDR is a major accomplishment. Laos PDR is the first ASEAN member state to reach such a critical milestone towards protecting children from all forms of violence.
Save the Children in Laos will continue to support the Government to effectively implement the law, promote non-violent parenting and protect the rights and interests of children.”
Inger Ashing, Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children International said:
“It’s time to accelerate progress. With the target of global prohibition by 2030, we have 6 years – not 60 – to fully protect children from violent punishment.
Corporal punishment has a devastating and long term impact on children and the lack of progress in addressing this issue is a global concern. We have an opportunity with the first ministerial conference on ending violence against children taking place later this year, to make a concerted effort in achieving the 2030 target.
Any country that prohibits corporal punishment is sending a strong message that they are listening to children. Prohibition makes it clear that children’s rights are respected. It makes it clear that there is nothing acceptable about subjecting children to physical or mental abuse in the home or elsewhere.”
Save the Children’s helps parents to change the relationship with their children from one of power and control to one of mutual understanding and problem solving. We run parallel sessions for parents and children, and instead of a set of fixed instructions, we focus on.
In Laos, Save the Children is working with families and communities to create a more protective environment for children by promoting non violent, positive discipline.
Save the Children has supported children in Laos since 1987, focusing on health and nutrition, child protection, education, the climate crisis and the environment.
Notes to editors:
[1] The 60 years calculation is based on the rate of progress in outlawing corporal punishment in all settings including the home, from September 2015 when the UN Sustainable Development Goals were agreed. In the almost nine years since, a further 20 countries have agreed to ban corporal punishment against children in all settings, making a rate of around two countries per year. To date, 66 of around 200 states have banned corporal punishment in all settings.
[2] https://www.end-violence.org/ending-corporal-punishment
[3] Child population data taken from the latest UN World Population Prospects
[4] Country income groupings as per the World Bank.
We have spokespeople available. For interview requests or further information, please contact:
Rachel Thompson, Asia Pacific Regional Media Manager rachel.thompson@savethechildren.org
Amy Le Fevre, Global Media Manager, Asia amy.lefevre@savethechildren.org
