RESPONSE TO SR VILLALOBOS AND SR NOWAK REGARDING

UNCLAS STATE 126228 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM UNCHR SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO SR VILLALOBOS AND SR NOWAK REGARDING THE USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO DISCIPLINE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES - GENEVA LOG 72-2009 ¶1. This is an action Request. Mission Geneva is requested to convey to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the text of the letter in paragraph 3. This is in response to their letter of 24 September, 2009. The full substantive response will be sent by-email. This is item #72 on the Geneva Log. ¶2. In their letter Mr. Villalobos and Mr. Nowak raised concern about information they received regarding the use of corporal punishment in U.S. public schools to discipline students with disabilities. They allege that corporal punishment is still permitted in twenty states and hundreds of school districts still make routine use of it to discipline students. Students with disabilities are allegedly subjected to corporal punishment at disproportionately high rates. We consulted with the Department of Education which provides the attached response. The response will be e-mailed to the Misssion. ¶3. Begin text of letter. Mr. Vernor Munoz Villalobos Special Rapporteur on the right to education Geneva, Switzerland Mr. Manfred Nowak Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Geneva, Switzerland The Government of the United States of America welcomes the opportunity to respond to your letter of September 24, 2009 concerning corporal punishment of children with disabilities in schools and provides additional information regarding the matters raised in your letter. ¶4. End text. Complimentary closing. ¶5. Appreciate Mission's assistance. CLINTON