Media Release
12 October 2006
For immediate release

Plunket cheers UN report: ‘No violence against children is justifiable’

Kaye Crowther, Plunket New Zealand President, welcomed findings from The United Nations Secretary-General’s Study on Violence Against Children presented in New York today.

Kaye notes, “There can be no mistaking the truth in the findings presented in the report, which says ‘there can be no compromise in challenging violence against children. Children’s uniqueness – their potential and vulnerability, their dependence on adults – makes it imperative that they have more, not less, protection from violence.’

“Plunket fully supports the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan’s conclusion that nations must invest in evidence-based policies and programmes to address factors that give rise to violence against children. There is clear, international evidence in support of repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act,” says Kaye.

“Plunket also agrees with Kofi Annan’s statement that ‘States have the primary responsibility to uphold children’s rights to protection and access to services, and to support families’ capacity to provide children with care in a safe environment.

“In light of ongoing debate around repeal of Section 59 and a recent suggestion by National’s Chester Burrows to water down repeal efforts, the timing of these report findings could not have been better.”

She continues, “As a nation, New Zealand simply must be clear on one point: the repeal of Section 59 is about keeping children safe. It is not, and never has been about, criminalising parents.”

Kaye concludes, “Positive parenting education and support of parents is the way to ensuring Kiwi children are nurtured to thrive and reach their full potential. Chester Burrows’ suggestion to define what is acceptable violence is utterly unacceptable.”

ENDS

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