End corporal punishment in schools
Jun 29, 2009
THE UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture reminds us that torture is a crime and cruel violation of human rights. June 26, 1987 was the day that the Convention against Torture came into force and also the day the UN Charter was signed — the first inte
Sostine Ngabirano
THE UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture reminds us that torture is a crime and cruel violation of human rights. June 26, 1987 was the day that the Convention against Torture came into force and also the day the UN Charter was signed — the first international instrument to embody obligations for member states to promote and encourage human rights.
In Uganda the respect for human dignity is enshrined under Article 24 of the 1995 Constitution and the freedoms guaranteed there are made non-derogable under Article 44.
These freedoms are tailored towards the protection of the dignity of the individual. Notably Uganda is party to various international human rights instruments which guarantee freedom from torture like the UN Convention Against Torture and the African Convention Against Torture, thus making the day of the African Child significant. Although corporal punishments have been pronounced unconstitutional, we have seen the use of this punishment continue in schools.
Culture and attitudes of people, especially in rural settings, still support the use of the cane notwithstanding the judicial pronouncements and Section 94 (9) of the Children’s Act which outlaws it. Although the argument for reasonable chastisement may hold some water, it has been blatantly abused, therefore, it has no relevance today.
Let us work towards the total abolishment of corporal punishment which is the leading form of torture against children.
Since the campaign to professionalise our army is underway, I would like to draw the attention of the President to the Police because it is in bad shape and has been used as an instrument of torture against his voters.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission should handle torture cases expeditiously and ensure that these victims are adequately compensated for the harm suffered.
This calls for the need to empower the commission with enough financial and human resources. The civil society and the Government should take effective measures against torture and ensure that the legal framework on torture is realised in Uganda.
The writer is a law student and a human rights activist
THE UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture reminds us that torture is a crime and cruel violation of human rights. June 26, 1987 was the day that the Convention against Torture came into force and also the day the UN Charter was signed — the first international instrument to embody obligations for member states to promote and encourage human rights.
In Uganda the respect for human dignity is enshrined under Article 24 of the 1995 Constitution and the freedoms guaranteed there are made non-derogable under Article 44.
These freedoms are tailored towards the protection of the dignity of the individual. Notably Uganda is party to various international human rights instruments which guarantee freedom from torture like the UN Convention Against Torture and the African Convention Against Torture, thus making the day of the African Child significant. Although corporal punishments have been pronounced unconstitutional, we have seen the use of this punishment continue in schools.
Culture and attitudes of people, especially in rural settings, still support the use of the cane notwithstanding the judicial pronouncements and Section 94 (9) of the Children’s Act which outlaws it. Although the argument for reasonable chastisement may hold some water, it has been blatantly abused, therefore, it has no relevance today.
Let us work towards the total abolishment of corporal punishment which is the leading form of torture against children.
Since the campaign to professionalise our army is underway, I would like to draw the attention of the President to the Police because it is in bad shape and has been used as an instrument of torture against his voters.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission should handle torture cases expeditiously and ensure that these victims are adequately compensated for the harm suffered.
This calls for the need to empower the commission with enough financial and human resources. The civil society and the Government should take effective measures against torture and ensure that the legal framework on torture is realised in Uganda.
The writer is a law student and a human rights activist