SRSG welcomes the adoption of a new protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child introducing a system of individual complaints for children

New York, 21 June 2011 -  "The adoption by the Human Rights Council of a new Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child is an historical and commendable decision.

The new protocol will enable children to challenge the violation of their human rights and will consolidate the international system of acountability for human rights.

This important decision is critical to break the invisibility and impunity surrounding incidents of violence against children, and to empower child victims to report and complaint without fear of reprisals and further victimization.

I wholeheartedly welcome this crucial step, which is of decisive relevance for my mandate as Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children and for the protection of children from all forms of violence.

I look forward to its swift approval by the General Assembly and to its Universal ratification."