Lawfulness of corporal punishment

Home

French law applies in Réunion, including the Criminal and Civil Codes. Corporal punishment is lawful in the home, under the parental “right of correction” in customary law.

Children have limited protection from violence and abuse under the French Criminal and Civil Codes.

Schools

There is no explicit prohibition in law of corporal punishment in schools and “light correction” is tolerated in the same way as it is for parents. French law applies.

Penal system

Corporal punishment is unlawful as a sentence for crime and as a disciplinary measure in penal institutions under the French Criminal Code (1994) and Criminal Procedure Code (1994).

Alternative care

There is no explicit prohibition of corporal punishment in other institutions and forms of childcare. Prosecution is possible under the French Criminal Code (see above).

Workplace

No information.

Prevalence research

None identified.

Recommendations by human rights treaty bodies