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A yes vote ensures children's right to protection
For immediate release
14 June 2009
A yes vote ensures children's right to protection
The current child discipline laws giving children the same level of protection from violence as adults are working well, says Save the Children acting Executive Director, Philip Abraham.
As a child’s rights organisation, Save the Children believes that children should have the same protection from violence and assault as adults. That is why it is part of a coalition of child advocacy and welfare organisations who support a Yes vote on the upcoming referendum.
“While the referendum is an unfortunate waste of taxpayer money and the question ”should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence is New Zealand” is deliberately confusing and misleading, Save the Children supports a Yes vote. This is because Voting Yes will give the clearest indication of support for the current law,” says Mr Abraham.
“It simply does not make sense that children should have less protection against violence than adults. It runs counter to international human rights standards.”
“Children do best when brought up in positive, loving environments. Physical punishment such as hitting is not part of a loving environment,” says Mr Abraham.
The changes nearly two years ago to section 59 of the Crimes Act giving children the same protection from violence as adults was a big step forward for human rights in New Zealand.
“It is a pity that despite the fact that the law is working well, the referendum may spark a re-emergence of the debate of two years ago,” says Mr Abraham.
“All indications show that the law is working well and contrary to the fears of opponents, parents are not being prosecuted for inconsequential cases of hitting or assault.”
“More and more New Zealanders understand that hitting children is not part of good parenting, just as very few would now advocate for a return to caning or strapping in schools as a part of a good education.”
“While serious child abuse is prevalent in New Zealand, that does not mean the law has failed, just as the fact that some people drive when drunk, does not mean that our drink driving laws are a failure.”
“These are issues that need to be addressed through education and public awareness campaigns and so on, with the law reinforcing a consistent message.”
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