Europe's top human rights watchdog is to rebuke France for its failure to explicitly ban smacking children it was claimed last night. French law forbids violence against children, but recognises the parents' 'right to discipline' children. The Council of Europe is expected to say that the laws on corporal punishment are 'not sufficiently clear, binding and specific', according to Le Monde newspaper. The Council of Europe is expected to say that the French laws, which forbids violence against children, but recognises the parents' 'right to discipline' children are 'not sufficiently clear' It follows a complaint by British children's charity Approach, which argues that France and other council members are violating a section of the European Social Charter calling on signatories to protect children. The council did not comment last night. It is to issue its formal ruling on Wednesday. The council has called for all of its 47 members to ban corporal punishment of children. So far, 22 have banned the practice. It follows a complaint by British children's charity Approach, which argues that France and other council members are violating a section of the European Social Charter calling on signatories to protect children . The laws in France have occasionally caused controversy. In 2013, a father was fined €500 ($560; £364) for spanking his nine-year-old son, a case that reignited the debate about corporal punishment in France. The Council of Europe is due to announce its decisions on other countries included in the Approach complaint in May.
Council of Europe expected to say French laws are 'not sufficiently clear'
Law forbids violence against children parents have 'right to discipline'