I. Objectives

. Following its two days of general discussion on violence against children, held in and, the Committee on the Rights of the Child resolved to issue a series of general comments concerning eliminating violence against children, of which this is the first. The Committee aims to guide States parties in understanding the provisions of the Convention concerning the protection of children against all forms of violence. This general comment focuses on corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment, which are currently very widely accepted and practised forms of violence against children.

. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments recognize the right of the child to respect for the childs human dignity and physical integrity and equal protection under the law. The Committee is issuing this general comment to highlight the obligation of all States parties to move quickly to prohibit and eliminate all corporal punishment and all other cruel or degrading forms of punishment of children and to outline the legislative and other awareness- raising and educational measures that States must take.

. Addressing the widespread acceptance or tolerance of corporal punishment of childrenand eliminating it, in the family, schools and other settings, is not only an obligation of States parties under the Convention. It is also a key strategy for reducing and preventing all forms of violence in societies.

II. Background

. The Committee has, from its earliest sessions, paid special attention to asserting childrens right to protection from all forms of violence. In its examination of States parties reports, and most recently in the context of the United Nations Secretary- Generals study on violence against children, it has noted with great concern the widespread legality and persisting social approval of corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading punishment