A/HRC/37/48 57. The United Republic of Tanzania launched its own national plan of action to end violence against women and children (2017-2022).11 Guided by the 2030 Agenda, the plan builds upon the findings of a household survey on violence against children conducted in 2009, and recognizes the positive impact of investment in the prevention of violence on inclusive growth. It provides a strategic framework for mobilizing action and resources to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular target 16.2. 58. France adopted a new inter-ministerial plan of action to combat violence against children (2017-2019). 12 The plan aims to support families in their child-rearing responsibilities; to promote positive parenting practices; to break the invisibility of violence against children; to promote the early detection and reporting of incidents; and to strengthen services to assist victims. 59. Support for legislative measures to address violence against children remained a high priority for the Special Representative. Since 2006, the number of countries with a comprehensive legal ban has more than tripled, reaching more than 50 in 2017, including most recently Benin, Ireland, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lithuania, Mongolia, Paraguay, Peru, Slovenia and Viet Nam. 60. Further legislative measures were adopted to consolidate the normative foundation of children’s protection from violence. In Sweden, incorporation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into national legislation is being pursued to ensure that its provisions are respected fully in all decisions affecting children. 61. In Malaysia, the Sexual Offences against Children Bill, adopted in 2017, strengthened the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The Bill criminalizes the grooming of children, promotes their protection from online abuse and recognizes them as competent witnesses in cases of sexual crimes. 62. In Chile, a new law (No. 21.013) 13 criminalizes the physical or psychological maltreatment of children or of any person with disabilities. Sanctions include barring offenders from employment in the education or health sectors, or from other positions that may involve a direct relationship with the victim. 63. Brazil adopted a new law (No. 13.431) to safeguard the rights of child victims and witnesses of violence. 14 The law requires all levels of government to develop comprehensive and coordinated policies to secure children’s right to freedom from violence in all settings, including the home. It recognizes children’s rights to have access to information and legal representation; to participate in decisions and to benefit from relevant support services; and to protection from re-victimization and to reparation. It establishes accessible, safe, confidential and child-friendly reporting, counselling and complaint mechanisms for children, and recognizes their right to be listened to by trained professionals. It also recognizes the duty of any person who witnesses or knows of any act of physical, psychological or sexual violence committed against a child in a private or public setting to report it immediately to relevant authorities, who should then bring it to the attention of the public prosecutor. 64. In South Africa, the High Court declared the common-law defence of “reasonable or moderate chastisement” unconstitutional. In Jamaica, the Prime Minister announced in Parliament his strong commitment to achieving a full legal ban on all forms of violence, including within the home. 11 12 13 14 See http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/2016/NPAVAWC%20%20Tanzania.pdf. See www.memoiretraumatique.org/assets/files/v1/Documents-pdf/20171er_Plan_VIOLENCES_ENFANTS_VF.pdf. See www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=1103697. See www2.camara.leg.br/legin/fed/lei/2017/lei-13431-4-abril-2017-784569-norma-pl.html. 11