Violent Child Disciplining Practices at Home in Mekelle, Ethiopia: A Child Rights-Based Perspective

Violent disciplining is one of the most common forms of violence experienced by children in Ethiopia. These practices are threatening the very survival and healthy development of the children involved. This study explores the experiences of children in Adi-Shumdihun with violent disciplining at home and in the family. The local discourses used to legitimize the practices, and the responses of relevant actors to the problem of violent disciplining are also discussed from a Child Rights-Based Approach (CRBA). In doing so, this study follows a qualitative research approach. While children in Adi-Shumdihun are passing through bitter experiences of violent disciplining, such practices are culturally encouraged and legally overlooked at the national and local levels. A CRBA is yet to be introduced to the work of relevant actors in Adi-Shumdihun. The first thing that a CRBA requires is recognizing children as rights-holders. Besides, a CRBA entails the full protection of children from violent disciplining practices. It also requires the establishment of enduring structures that enable the children to equally and actively participate in the decision-making process of the relevant actors.