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Summary: Presentation of the Regional Report for the
South Asia Consultation by Peter Newell.
- REGIONAL REPORT: Children Denied Equal Protection from All Violence
Peter Newell, Joint Co-ordinator of the Global Initiative to End All Corporal
Punishment of Children, who is also on the editorial board for the UN
Study, presented a summary report of the Regional Study. The aim of the
Regional Study is to examine and map the current situation of children in
South Asia pertaining to violence, abuse, and exploitation. It will inform the
Study as well as regional processes regarding issues, challenges, gaps
and best practices. Regional Studies are working documents which support
discussions at national Consultations and at Regional Consultations.
The report presented today summarises the clear legal obligations to
protect all children from all forms of violence - obligations which all States in
the region have accepted, under key international human rights
instruments. "We are not talking about doing favours to children, but
about fulfilling the promises that States have made to them and to all
citizens", said Peter Newell. In all states in the region, corporal punishment
remains lawful in the home. The law actually defends "moderate"
or "reasonable" beating of children. In most states, corporal punishment is
also lawful in schools, other institutions and penal systems for young
offenders.
Factors explaining violence against children:
- Socio-economic factors / poverty
- Deeply embedded patriarchal and hierarchical traditions
- Inferiority of girl children, in culture and interpretation of religion
- Emphasis on sanctity and privacy of the family
- Harmful cultural practices, especially towards girls (forced marriages,
honour killings)
The report then focuses on three themes:
- Gender related violence: the report recognises progress, but also notes
that "South Asia remains the most gender unequal and insensitive region
in the world". "The discrimination against girls begins even before birth and
continues throughout her life".
- Child sexual abuse and exploitation: this is the most hidden and under-
reported form of violence against children in South Asia. Families often
remain silent about the issue because it may damage their reputation and
honour.
- Physical and psychological punishment: there is still much adult denial
that this violent discipline constitutes violence. Here it is probably boys
who suffer the most severe physical violence. Furthermore, most children,
and in particular, young children are hit frequently. The study also
highlights the harmful effects of non-physical violence, such as humiliating
forms of punishment - name calling, taunts, belittling, threats, and so on.
Tomorrow, the group will be divided into three groups, as per the three
above themes, to look at the report and draw some recommendations that
can be applied to each country in the region.
The report is not yet available, however it will be made available on the
CRIN website - www.childrenandviolence.org - as and when it is available.