Reception for winners of "Raise your hand against smacking" contest

Ljubljana, 23.1.2009  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, and his wife, Mrs Barbara Mikliè Türk, received, in the Crystal Hall of the Presidential Palace, the winners of prizes (of Pil and Plus magazines) in the "What is the right punishment?" contest, organised by the Council of Europe. President Türk took the opportunity to stress that young people should be encouraged, especially by prizes, which would help give them the confidence to work, learn and look ahead.

President Türk, who as patron of honour of the contest has supported the pan-European "Raise your hand against smacking" initiative launched by the Council of Europe to abolish corporal punishment of children, emphasised that children are not "mini-people" with "mini-rights"; they are people with full rights to respect, dignity and physical integrity.

The true answer to violence against children and to corporal punishment, according to President Türk, lies in the family: "Together with their children, parents are, and will remain, the foundation of happiness, mutual satisfaction and a carefree attitude. After all, everyone who is a parent knows that children are our greatest wealth," said Dr Türk, adding that we should turn to the family and recognise its importance and that, alongside politicians and wider society, we should strive to create conditions for implementing the vital role of the family.

President Türk said he hoped that Slovenia would, in as short a time as possible, join those countries which have already adopted relevant laws prohibiting corporal punishment and psychological maltreatment of children, in accordance with the Council of Europe initiative.