Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Corporal punishment in public schools: a call for legal reform
Author:O'Neal, NicoleISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:African Human Rights Law Journal
Volume:8
Issue:1
Pages:60-78
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:corporal punishment
international law
human rights
jurisprudence
Abstract:The use of corporal punishment within the public educational system of African States is unlawful, detrimental to the health and welfare of the children, and an unnecessary impediment to educational excellence. Public school corporal punishment violates several international and regional human rights treaties, customary international law, and may breach 'jus cogens' norms prohibiting torture and recognizing a fundamental right to respect for human dignity. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights expressly condemn all forms of corporal punishment. In addition, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child can also be interpreted to prohibit the practice of public school corporal punishment. Most African States have ratified these international and regional human rights instruments; therefore, laws authorizing this practice should be repealed and alternative methods should be encouraged through legal reform. This article explains how laws authorizing public school corporal punishment breach human rights law, and calls for law reform in African States. In addition to the repeal of such laws, this article suggests legislation that could be implemented domestically to condemn and prohibit this practice. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
Views