Kids Are Now in Safer Hands Here

Kids and teens are now safer across Cuba thanks to historic new legislation that effectively bans corporal punishment, thus protecting children from violence within families, and prohibits child marriages.

The new Family Code was developed and approved through a participatory process, exemplifying that change can be done for and with the public. Overwhelmingly supported – 66% of voters approved its implementation – the law furthers underage citizens’ safety across Cuba.

Under the new law, the minimum age of marriage is increased from 14 to 18, effectively outlawing child marriage. Also, children have a right to “free of violence” family life as corporal punishment in any form is no longer tolerated, including humiliating treatment and the use of any other form of violence or abuse against children and adolescents. Indeed, injuring and undermining them physically, morally, or psychologically is banned: their dignity and physical and mental integrity must be respected. Parents, caregivers, and professionals will have to undergo training as the government wants to ensure that the prohibition is implemented. This law reform is celebrated as one of the “most progressive codes of families”.