Violence against children NCPA to seek Cabinet nod for amendment

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) plans to seek approval from the Cabinet of Ministers in the coming weeks to amend the Penal Code concerning cruelty towards children.

 

 

The proposed amendment, aimed at modernizing outdated legislation, will be submitted to the Ministry of Justice for consideration by the Cabinet.

 

 

NCPA Chairman Chanaka Udayakumara Amarasinghe stated that a committee of eminent individuals was appointed last year to draft an amendment to the existing Penal Code on child cruelty. The draft has been prepared through consultations with stakeholders. It will be presented to the Ministry of Justice for Cabinet approval soon.

 

 

Amarasinghe emphasized that this amendment fulfils a long-standing need for legislation addressing child cruelty and aligns with recommendations made by the United Nations to the government in 2018.

 

 

When asked about increased reports of violence against children, Amarasinghe mentioned that although no statistical data supports an overall rise, there has been a concerning trend of child abuse in schools following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

 

 

He noted that while reports of violence or cruelty against children to relevant authorities (such as educational, health, police, and NCPA) do not indicate an increase, media coverage significantly has surged on social media, has surged and pointed out an increase in reports of corporal punishment by school principals, teachers, and even school prefects since children returned to schools after the lifting of Covid-19 regulations.

 

 

Despite solid evidence to the contrary, he expressed concern about the persistence of the misconception that corporal punishment helps instil discipline in youth. He stressed the need for a cultural shift in how children are managed and raised.

 

 

According to the NCPA Chair, in 2022, authorities received 2,096 reports of child cruelty or violence. This represents a decrease from 2,741 reported incidents in 2021. Whether this reduction is due to under-reporting resulting from Covid-19 regulations, the economic crisis, or the sociopolitical turmoil experienced last year is still being determined.

 

 

Amarasinghe further mentioned that as of the end of May this year, only 897 reports of child cruelty have been received. Additionally, 78 pieces of severe harm to children have been reported in 2023.