important that state take prompt measures to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the Covenant on the abolition of death penalty as this is one of the recommendations being considered by the State during the UPR process. Article 7 – Prohibition of Torture & Article 10 –Conditions of Detention Prevalence of Corporal Punishment in Schools 44. Although, there is no legislation that explicitly prohibits corporal punishments in schools, Ministry of Education (MoE) prohibits use of corporal punishment. Nevertheless, there are number of incidents of physical abuse of students by the teachers and supervisors. The Lale’ International School (2010) investigation conducted by HRCM, made it apparent that a number of students experienced physical and psychological abuse in the school.16 Some of the findings include abuses such as strangling and whipping children with belts. The findings of HRCM were further validated when the Criminal Court in August 2010 found the former principal of the school, guilty of assaulting children and sentenced him to pay MRF 200 (US$12.97) as fine under article 126 of the Penal Code. However, the penalty enforced through this particular case itself shows the extent of adhering to the spirit of intolerance to torture. In addition, the inspections undertaken by MoE have verified that there are cases pertaining to physical and psychological abuse of children in schools. MoE acknowledges the fact that the monitoring and inspection undertaken was insufficient. 45. State must expedite the passage of the Education Act and ensure that it prohibits all forms of corporal punishment in school. It is also important that State take all necessary measures to strengthen the existing procedures required to guarantee that children are not subjected to corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure in the education system. Chapter: Article 7 – Prohibition of Torture & Article 10 –Conditions of Detention 43. Article 54 of the present Constitution clearly prohibits any form of torture, or degrading treatment in any setting. Furthermore, Article 10 of the Law on Protection of the Rights of the Children (1991) stipulates that punishment in school should be appropriate to the child’s age and should not affect physical and psychological well‐being. 20