15 March 2007

Children’s Commissioner encourages MPs to show resolve and support bill

Children’s Commissioner, Dr Cindy Kiro, is disappointed that last nights’s debate on Green MP Sue Bradford’s Bill to remove the defence of justifiable force when charged with assaulting a child, did not reach the voting stage due to drawn-out debate stalling the process.

“Obviously this is an issue that many feel very strongly about. As I watched last night’s debate with many community organisations who work with children and families, I thought that the voice of the most important group in this debate were not being heard – the voice of children. Children say that smacking makes them feel sad, angry and fearful and negatively affects their relationship with the person who smacked them. Research has also shown that it’s the least effective way to guide and discipline children,” says Dr Kiro.

“The adults seemed to be doing a lot of talking about adults rights. This debate is about ensuring that children have the same rights in law to be free from assault that the rest of us already enjoy.”

“When this bill is passed, it will have a wide range of benefits. It will put us in good company with the other 18 advanced countries who have prohibited corporal punishment of children in the home. It will enable us to meet our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international commitment that New Zealand ratified in 1993.

It will give children the same protection under the law as adults and animals. It will show that we want to make real steps, not just lip service, to a better future for parents and children. This legislation combined with parental education through programmes such as SKIP offer a real opportunity for children and parents to develop better relationships. We have a chance to show that we really care about children, and all of this hinges on our Parliament making the right call.”

“It is critical for the future of our children that the bill is passed. I encourage our politicians to show moral leadership and stand strong in their support of the bill in the coming weeks.”

For further information:

www.occ.org.nz

ENDS

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