The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a firm stance against corporal punishment, with the practice being strictly prohibited by law. This move has sparked global discussions on the legality and ethical implications of physically disciplining children, both in the UAE and worldwide.
Prohibition of Corporal Punishment in the UAE
The UAE’s commitment to prohibiting corporal punishment in all settings has been a gradual but significant process. In 2016, the UAE enacted the “Wadeema” law, which recognized a child’s “right” to be protected from “all forms of neglect, exploitation, and physical, psychological, and sexual abuse”. However, the law also acknowledged a “right” of parents to “discipline” their children, leaving room for interpretation and potential loopholes.In the years since, the UAE has taken further steps to address this issue. In 2018, the country became a Pathfinder with the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, signaling its dedication to reforming laws and eliminating all forms of corporal punishment.
The UAE’s commitment was further reinforced in 2020, when the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities called on the country to “prohibit all forms of corporal punishment in all settings.Today, corporal punishment is explicitly prohibited in schools and penal institutions in the UAE. However, the practice remains lawful in the home, alternative care settings, and as a sentence for crime. The UAE government has acknowledged the need for further legal reforms to achieve a complete ban on corporal punishment in all settings.
Debates on the Legality and Ethics of Corporal Punishment
The UAE’s efforts to prohibit corporal punishment have sparked global discussions on the legality and ethical implications of the practice. Proponents argue that physical discipline is a necessary and effective method of instilling discipline and respect in children. They contend that it is a cultural norm deeply rooted in the region and that parents should have the right to choose how to raise their children.
On the other hand, opponents of corporal punishment argue that it is a violation of children’s rights and can have long-lasting negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being. They point to research that suggests alternative, non-violent methods of discipline are more effective in promoting positive behavior and healthy child development.
From a legal perspective, the debate centers around the balance between parental rights and the state’s responsibility to protect children from harm. While some jurisdictions have upheld the legality of corporal punishment, citing parental autonomy, others have ruled that it constitutes a form of child abuse and should be prohibited.
In the UAE, the legal landscape is still evolving. The recognition of a “right” to discipline children in the Wadeema law has been criticized by human rights organizations, who argue that it undermines the country’s commitment to protecting children from violence. The ongoing discussions aim to reconcile cultural norms with international human rights standards and ensure that the UAE’s laws unequivocally prohibit all forms of corporal punishment.
Ethical Considerations and Global Trends
The ethical debate surrounding corporal punishment extends beyond the UAE, with discussions taking place worldwide. Proponents often argue that physical discipline is a necessary and effective tool for instilling discipline and respect in children. They contend that it is a cultural norm deeply rooted in many societies and that parents should have the right to choose how to raise their children.
However, opponents of corporal punishment argue that it is a violation of children’s rights and can have long-lasting negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being. They point to research that suggests alternative, non-violent methods of discipline are more effective in promoting positive behavior and healthy child development.
Globally, there has been a growing trend towards the prohibition of corporal punishment. As of 2024, 63 countries have banned the practice in all settings, including the home, schools, and alternative care facilities . This shift reflects a growing recognition that physical punishment is not an effective or ethical means of disciplining children.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the UAE has ratified, explicitly states that children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including corporal punishment . This international framework has been a driving force behind the global movement to eliminate the practice.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a comprehensive and legally binding international agreement that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion, or abilities2. The convention defines a child as any human being under the age of eighteen, unless the age of majority is attained earlier under national legislation1.The UNCRC was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989, and it came into force on September 2, 19901. As of May 1, 2024, 196 countries are party to the convention, including every member of the United Nations except the United States1.The convention sets out the rights of children in four main areas:
- Survival and Development: The right to life, health, education, and a standard of living that ensures their development to the maximum extent1.
- Protection: The right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect, and to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing work that is dangerous or harmful1.
- Participation: The right to participate in all matters affecting the child, and to have a say in decisions that affect their lives1.
- Family and Alternative Care: The right to know and be cared for by their parents, and the right to alternative care if they cannot live with their parents1.
The UNCRC is monitored by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, composed of 18 independent experts who are responsible for supervising the implementation of the convention by the states that have ratified it1. The committee reviews the reports submitted by the states and provides recommendations for improvement.The UNCRC has been instrumental in promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide. It has led to significant changes in laws and policies related to children’s rights, and has raised awareness about the importance of protecting children’s rights2.In conclusion, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a landmark agreement that has had a profound impact on the lives of children around the world. It has set a global standard for the protection and promotion of children’s rights, and has inspired a movement to ensure that all children can grow up in a safe, healthy, and happy environment2.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the UAE’s commitment to prohibiting corporal punishment, the practice remains deeply ingrained in the cultural and social fabric of the region. Changing societal attitudes and perceptions is a significant challenge that requires a multifaceted approach.
The UAE government has recognized the need for comprehensive public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to promote alternative, non-violent methods of discipline. Engaging with parents, teachers, and community leaders to address the underlying beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate the use of corporal punishment is crucial.
Additionally, the UAE must ensure that its legal framework unambiguously prohibits corporal punishment in all settings, including the home, alternative care facilities, and as a sentence for crime. This will require the repeal of any provisions that recognize a “right” to discipline children through physical means, as well as the enactment of clear and enforceable laws that protect children from all forms of violence.
Strengthening the capacity of child protection systems, including reporting mechanisms and support services for victims, will also be essential in ensuring the effective implementation of the ban on corporal punishment. Collaboration with international organizations and civil society groups can provide valuable insights and best practices to guide the UAE’s efforts.
The UAE’s commitment to prohibiting corporal punishment has placed the country at the forefront of a global movement to protect children’s rights and promote non-violent forms of discipline. The ongoing debates on the legality and ethical implications of this practice have garnered international attention, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue.
As the UAE continues to refine its legal framework and social norms, it must remain steadfast in its resolve to eliminate all forms of corporal punishment. By addressing the cultural and attitudinal barriers, strengthening child protection systems, and aligning its laws with international human rights standards, the UAE can set an example for other nations to follow.
Ultimately, the success of the UAE’s efforts will be measured by the tangible improvements in the lives of children who will be able to grow and thrive in a safe, nurturing, and violence-free environment. The global community will be watching closely as the UAE’s journey towards implementing a complete ban on corporal punishment holds tremendous potential to inspire and influence similar reforms worldwide, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
