Global Call to End Corporal Punishment: 40 Nations Unite at Human Rights Council
On March 12, 2025, during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, a joint statement on ending corporal punishment of children was presented. Led by the Governments of Costa Rica and Kenya, the statement was supported by 38 other nations, marking a significant milestone in the global movement to protect children from violence.
The statement highlights the widespread and harmful impact of corporal punishment, which remains legally permissible in over 125 countries, despite decades of international human rights commitments urging its prohibition. It calls on all governments to take immediate legislative action, implement awareness-raising initiatives, and promote non-violent forms of discipline that respect children’s dignity and rights.
This initiative builds on previous efforts, including the first-ever statement on corporal punishment delivered at the World Health Assembly Executive Board in February 2025. The Governments of Costa Rica and Kenya, along with other key partners, will continue advocating for change, with a dedicated side event planned at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May, where a new WHO technical report on corporal punishment is expected to be launched.
