UN Committee Against Torture Commends NZ Child Discipline Law

May 19, 2009

The United Nations committee monitoring compliance with the “United Nations Convention on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment” released a report on New Zealand’s compliance with the Convention on 14 May 2009.

In a section entitled “Positive Aspects” the Committee had this to say:

The Committee notes with appreciation:

The enactment of the Crimes Amendment Act 2007 which repeals the legal defence for the use of reasonable force “by way of correction” in section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961 and prohibits corporal punishment.

The report is a timely reminded that the 2007 child discipline law addressed recommendations made by both the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the UN Committee on Torture.

A Yes Vote supports New Zealand’s obligations to these important United Nations conventions.