Les Allamby

Julie Morgan, deputy minister for health and social services in Wales, updated stakeholders on the progress of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill.

The bill, currently under consideration by the National Assembly for Wales, seeks to end the physical punishment of children.

Similar legislation is under consideration in Scotland and has already been passed in the Republic of Ireland.

Ms Morgan spoke at an event organised by the NIHRC and the Commissioner for Children and Young People, which also heard from the director of the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children.

NIHRC chief commissioner Les Allamby said: “Northern Ireland law still allows the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ for parents who physically punish their children.

“We should follow the example of Wales and ensure children receive the same legal protection from violence as adults. We need to bring Northern Ireland law in line with human rights standards and end the corporal punishment of children.”

Ms Morgan added: “I’m delighted to be in Belfast to share ideas and to discuss the bill which takes our commitment to protect children’s rights a step further and will help end the physical punishment of children in Wales. If passed, it will ensure children and young people in Wales have the same protection from physical punishment as adults.

“We believe that every child should have the best start in life and our bill sends a clear message that the physical punishment of children is not acceptable in Wales. The bill is the first major divergence between Welsh and English criminal law. If passed, the legislation will be accompanied by an extensive awareness-raising campaign.”