Save the Children New Zealand called for a stop to physical punishment of children through a repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act at the organisation’s national conference in Wellington today.

Save the Children New Zealand’s Executive Director John Bowis said today, “As an organisation that focuses on child rights, we are committed to upholding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention clearly states that children have a right to be protected from violence and abuse. It is Save the Children’s view that physically punishing a child is a violation of a child’s right to live free from violence and abuse.

“As signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the New Zealand Government also has an obligation to uphold the Convention.

“Save the Children will be lobbying the Government for a repeal of Section 59, as well as supporting community education programmes and services focused on positive parenting."

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Patron of Save the Children New Zealand, put the issue at the top of the organisation’s agenda when she questioned the lack of legal protection for children at last year’s national conference.

In her keynote address, the Governor-General questioned the lack of legal protection for children when slapping an adult or beating an animal is a crime.

“Dame Silvia’s address sparked great debate amongst our Branches and volunteers," Mr Bowis said. “Today’s resolution is the outcome of a period of informed discussion amongst our members."

Mr Bowis said that Save the Children New Zealand’s position supports the position taken by other Save the Children members in the UK, Sweden and Spain.

ENDS

For more information contact Save the Children on 04 385 6847 or email info@scnz.org.nz