Ending Corporal Punishment of Children in South Africa. I want her to talk with me when I make a mistake…

This publication aims to provide information about corporal punishment and other forms of humiliating and degrading punishment of children in South Africa. It outlines international obligations to prohibit the corporal punishment of children and to engage in public education. In South Africa, interpersonal violence is widespread and conflicts are in many instances resolved by violent means. However, South Africa has taken significant measures to implement its obligations under international law to ensure that South African children can live a life free from corporal punishment. The report provides recommendations on steps to be taken by the government and civil society to ensure that the culture of corporal punishment and other forms of humiliating and degrading punishment of children is replaced by positive, non-violent forms of discipline based on respect for children’s rights.