For the first time in over 75 years, corporal punishment has been recognized as a major public health issue within the World Health Organization (WHO). A landmark statement presented at the 156th session of the Executive Board of the World Health Assembly (WHA) has called for urgent action to end the practice, marking a significant shift in global discussions on children’s rights and well-being.
The statement was led by the Government of Kenya and supported by Armenia, Benin, Romania, Sierra Leone, Costa Rica, Finland, Thailand, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, and Moldova. It emphasized that corporal punishment remains the most prevalent and socially accepted form of violence against children. The statement highlighted the various forms of corporal punishment, including hitting, kicking, shaking, and striking with objects, and underscored the severe consequences it has on children’s physical and mental well-being.
Research spanning over five decades has consistently shown that corporal punishment has no benefits and instead causes significant harm. The WHA statement outlined its impact, stating that it inflicts direct physical harm, contributes to thousands of deaths and millions of injuries annually, and is linked to severe mental health consequences, including increased risks of depression, self-harm, suicide, and addiction. Additionally, it negatively affects cognitive development, reduces educational attainment, and leads to higher dropout rates. Contrary to fostering discipline, corporal punishment has been shown to escalate aggression, antisocial behavior, and the cycle of violence.
Following this significant milestone at the WHA, 41 countries have now joined forces at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to issue the first-ever joint statement on ending corporal punishment. Led by Costa Rica and Kenya, the statement highlights the continued legal acceptance of corporal punishment in over 125 countries and urges governments to take immediate action to prohibit and eliminate the practice. The statement acknowledges the numerous international human rights recommendations made over the past two decades and emphasizes the need for legislative reform, awareness campaigns, and parental support programs to promote non-violent forms of discipline.
The joint statement at the HRC represents a turning point in the global movement to end corporal punishment. By framing it as both a human rights violation and a public health emergency, advocates are working to ensure that this issue remains at the forefront of global policymaking. The next crucial step will take place at the World Health Assembly in May, where a new WHO technical report on corporal punishment is expected to be launched. This report is anticipated to strengthen the case for a WHA resolution and provide guidance for countries seeking to implement comprehensive bans on corporal punishment.
The growing support for ending corporal punishment reflects a global shift toward prioritizing children’s rights and well-being. By uniting human rights advocates, public health experts, and policymakers, these efforts aim to bring about lasting change that will protect millions of children from violence and promote a safer, healthier future for all.
