A Decade of Progress in Corporal Punishment

Lao PDR has made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian country to completely ban corporal punishment, a major step forward in the protection of children's rights. In December 2023, the country passed an amendment to the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children, taking a firm stance against physical violence as a disciplinary measure. This milestone makes Lao PDR the 66th country worldwide – and the first in its region – to enact such a law.

Changing Views on Physical Discipline

When Ms. Khamsay Iemsouthi, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Lao PDR, first began working in the field of child protection, corporal punishment was deeply embedded in the culture. In many rural areas, it was seen as an acceptable form of discipline and changing these deeply rooted attitudes was a major challenge. “Initially, many communities were resistant to the idea that physical punishment of children was harmful,” she shares. “But gradually, we saw a shift. People began to understand that non-violent methods not only protected children but also lead to better outcomes for their development and well-being.”

Findings from the 2023 Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS III) affirmed this positive shift in attitudes toward physical discipline, which was already taking place in Lao society. The survey showed that nearly 19% of children aged 1-14 were now receiving non-violent forms of discipline, marking a notable improvement in how children were being disciplined. While there is still much progress to be made, with 31% of children still experiencing some form of physical punishment, the data demonstrated a growing shift away from physical discipline.

Ms. Khamsay notes, “This data reflects the changing attitudes in the country. It shows that people are beginning to embrace non-violent methods of discipline, which has been key in moving efforts toward stronger legal protections for children.”

A Landmark Achievement

In December 2023, the Government of Laos took a historic step by amending the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children to explicitly ban all forms of corporal punishment. The new law prohibits physical punishment in all settings – whether at home, in schools or in public institutions. "The passing of this law was a landmark achievement," says Ms. Khamsay. "It ensures that no adult, whether a parent, teacher or caregiver, can legally inflict harm on a child."

While the legal reform is monumental, Ms. Khamsay acknowledges that the real challenge lies in ensuring that the law is properly implemented across the country. To spread awareness, UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice launched media campaigns to spread the message far and wide using television, radio and social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok.

However, reaching rural communities required more than just digital outreach. “We also engaged in offline campaigns including visiting rural areas, distributing brochures and holding educational sessions to explain the law,” she explains. “To be implemented, it’s essential that people understand the law and that information is accessible for all.”

With the LSIS III survey also revealing that over half of children aged 1-14 experience psychological aggression, it has been well recognized that both legal reforms and a comprehensive system of support were needed. So in partnership with the Government, UNICEF supported the establishment of hotlines and consultation centers for victims of all forms of violence including corporal punishment and psychological abuse in several districts, providing children and families with access to counseling, medical treatment and legal support. “These resources now provide children with a safe space to seek help, ensuring that those who have been harmed know where to turn,” adds Ms. Khamsay.

A Regional Leader in Child Protection

With this groundbreaking legal reform, Laos has set a powerful example for neighbouring countries. As the first ASEAN nation to pass such a law, it leads the way in child protection efforts across the region. “The success of this law proves that change is possible,” states Ms. Khamsay. “It took years of advocacy and collaboration with the Government, but now we have a clear legal framework that protects children from one of the most common forms of violence that they suffer. This is just the start; our next goal is ensuring the law is fully implemented.”

While the revised law marks a historic milestone, the journey toward a violence-free future for children is far from over. UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to protect children from harm are deeply aligned with global initiatives for protecting girls, boys and women from violence such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This period, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence, underscores the importance of protecting every child from harm.

The 16 Days of Activism serves as an important reminder that child protection must be at the forefront of such global efforts. “Our work ensures that all children, regardless of gender, are protected from violence,” says Ms. Khamsay. “By addressing issues like corporal punishment, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every child is free from harm and supported by a solid legal framework.”

The success of this reform is a testament to the dedication of individuals like Ms. Khamsay Iemsouthi and the strong relationship built on trust by UNICEF and the Government of Lao PDR. Years of advocacy, partnerships and policy changes have transformed a deeply ingrained cultural practice into a legal framework that now protects children from harm. As Lao PDR moves forward, this achievement marks only the beginning of a continued commitment to ensure a safe, violence-free future for every child.