UN Committee on the Rights of the Child asks Spain to justify the presence of minors at bullfighting events
A United Nations body has made an official request to the Spanish government to clarify why it allows children and adolescents to attend and participate in bullfighting events 🐂. This request comes within the framework of a process to evaluate how Spain implements the international treaty that protects childhood.
Concern over impact on development
The Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed its concern because minors are exposed to the violence inherent in these spectacles. The committee also indicated that there is data suggesting possible adverse consequences for their physical growth and mental health. The evaluation took place in Geneva and the final conclusions will be made public in the coming weeks.
Key points of the request:- Formal request for explanations from the Spanish State.
- Concern over children's exposure to bullfighting violence.
- Mention of evidence on negative effects on development.
The committee expresses its concern because children and adolescents are exposed to the violence involved in bullfighting.
Response and commitment to legal reform
In response to the committee's questions, the Spanish delegation stated that it plans to modify the legislation that protects childhood. The purpose is to limit young people's access to spectacles considered violent with animals. This statement implies tacit recognition of the need to act in this area.
Elements of the Spanish response:- Announcement of a reform to the Child Protection Law.
- Aim to restrict minors' access to animal spectacles.
- Implicit recognition of the problem.
Lack of coherence in regional regulations
The committee also highlighted the absence of a unified legal criterion among Spain's different regions. It recalled that as early as 2018 it recommended banning minors from participating in these events. This regulatory divergence creates a situation of inequality in the country, where protecting childhood depends on the place of residence. The international body's stance remains firm in recommending a ban. The debate on bulls and childhood shows great persistence, and the UN has been trying for some time to get measures taken, while regional laws follow different paths in each territory.