Honduras becomes 34th state to achieve full prohibition
16 November 2013
An amending law (Decree No. 35-2013) was passed in Honduras in September 2013 repealing article 231 of the Civil Code Article 5 of the amending law replaces article 191 of the Family Code with explicit prohibition of corporal punishment:
"Parents, in the exercise of parental authority, have the right to exercise orientation, care and correction of their children, and to import to them, in keeping with the evolution of their physical and mental faculties, the guidance and orientation which are appropriate for their comprehensive development.
It is prohibited to parents and every person charged with the care, upbringing, education, treatment and monitoring [of children and adolescents], whether on a temporary or permanent basis, to use physical punishment or any type of humiliating, degrading, cruel or inhuman treatment as a form of correction or discipline of children or adolescents.
The State, through its competent institutions, will guarantee:
a) the execution of awareness and education programs directed to parents and every person charged with the care, treatment, education or monitoring of children and adolescents, at both national and local levels; and,
b) the promotion of positive, participative and non-violent forms of discipline as alternatives to physical punishment and other forms of humiliating treatment.”