South Sudan becomes 30th country to prohibit all forms of violence against children

New York, 29 July 2011 - With the achievement of independence on 9 July, South Sudan can now be recognized as the 30th country to prohibit all forms of violence against children, including by parents. Prohibiting legislation was originally enacted in 2005 under the Interim Government of South Sudan, in article 21 of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan. Prohibition was subsequently confirmed in article 21 of the Child Act (2008).

Now a new Constitution is in force – the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (2011) – article 17 of which prohibits all corporal punishment: “Every child has the right … (f) to be free from corporal punishment and cruel and inhuman treatment by any person including parents, school administrations and other institutions….” . South Sudan is the third state to achieve full prohibition in Africa, alongside Tunisia and Kenya.

The SRSG congratulates the Government of South Sudan for its “strong political commitment” to work towards violence prevention and the protection of children’s dignity and physical integrity through the adoption of legislation that encourages positive discipline and promotes the education of children through non-violent means.