ST. GEORGE’S Grenada: Grenada’s panelist at the United Nations Special Conference on the "Protection of Children from Violence in Schools and Corporal Punishment” wants Governments in the region to speedily implement the latest recommendations from the United Nations Committee on the Children’s Rights. Addressing the Special Conference on Monday, Ms Abigail McIntyre, President of the Youth Arm of the Grenada National Coalition on the Rights of the Child called on Governments to endorse the UN Secretary General’s study on violence against children because the move can result in a violence free society. These recommendations includes prohibiting and eradicating the use of corporal punishment or whipping in the juvenile justice system as well as taking additional measures to combat violence and abuse of children including sexual abuse. The one day Special Conference is the final consultation as the Committee on the Rights of the Child prepares to submit it report to the Secretary General. In 2003, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Paulo Sergio Pinheiro of Brazil as the independent expert to lead a global study on violence against children. The purpose of the study is to provide an in-depth picture of the prevalence, nature and causes of violence against children. It will put forward recommendations for consideration by Member States, the UN system and civil society for appropriate action, including effective remedies and preventive and rehabilitative measures at the national and international levels. The study will be guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child which emphasizes children's rights to physical and personal integrity, and outlines States parties obligations to protect them from "all forms of physical or mental violence", including sexual and other forms of exploitation, abduction, armed conflict, and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It also obliges the State to enact preventive measures and ensure that all child victims of violence receive the support and assistance they require. Ms McIntyre who spoke on behalf of Caribbean youth is among five youth leaders from around the world who is participating in the special conference. She returns to Grenada on Thursday. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com