Japanese Gov't Approves Amendments To Bill Banning Physical Punishment For Minors- Reports

The Japanese government approved on Tuesday amendments to its bill banning parents from physically punishing their children after the death of a number of minors as a result of abuse on the part of their parents made headlines in the country, local media reported

TOKYO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th March, 2019) The Japanese government approved on Tuesday amendments to its bill banning parents from physically punishing their children after the death of a number of minors as a result of abuse on the part of their parents made headlines in the country, local media reported.

Apart from banning physical punishment, the bill also provides for doctors and lawyers to be present at child welfare centers, which are dealing with the cases of domestic violence against minors and can place children into temporary protective custody, the NHK broadcaster reported.

The provision of the Japan Civil Code that allows parents to "discipline" their children is expected to be revised under the draft law as well, according to the broadcaster.

The broadcaster added that the government hoped that the bill would be passed during the current session of the parliament.

According to the Japanese National Police Agency, the number of registered child abuse cases in the country hit a record high level in 2018, with the majority of cases involving physical abuse.

The most recent high-profile case is related to the death of 10-year-old Mia Kurihara. The girl was reportedly abused by her father, who deprived his daughter of sleep, forced her to stand for hours, repeatedly beat her and poured ice-cold water on the girl.

The investigation has revealed that Kurihara had confined to school staff in a questionnaire that she was suffering abuse at her father's hands but the child protective services handed the questionnaire to the man himself.