Dushanbe, 3 September 2024 (TDI): Tajikistan has enacted a nationwide ban on corporal punishment, becoming the 67th country to do so.
The new law shields the nation’s 4 million children from violent discipline in both domestic and educational settings.
UNICEF has praised the legislation as a major step forward in child protection. Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative, commended the move for its commitment to children’s dignity and safety.
However, he emphasized that continued efforts are necessary to ensure the law’s effectiveness.
Globally, around 330 million children endure physical punishment, which poses serious risks to their health and development.
The economic impact of such violence is estimated at $7 trillion annually, approximately 8% of global GDP.
Countries like Romania and Germany have seen success in reducing corporal punishment through legal bans.
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Tajikistan’s participation in the forthcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children further demonstrates its commitment to child protection.
UNICEF will continue to collaborate with Tajikistan to implement and uphold the new law, ensuring a safer environment for all children, Arthur van Diesen said.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
