A/66/227

This second annual report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-

General on Violence against Children is submitted to the General Assembly in

accordance with its resolution 65/197. It is guided by the report of the independent

expert for the United Nations study on violence against children (A/61/299) and

builds upon the vision and the priority areas identified by the Special Representative

in her initial report (A/65/292).

The present report complements the annual report of the Special Representative

to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/16/54) and reviews key developments and

initiatives promoted to advance progress in the follow-up to the study at the global,

regional and national levels, institutionalize regional governance structures and

strengthen strategic alliances to speed up global progress towards a world free from

violence.

To further accelerate progress, the report identifies areas to which the Special

Representative will devote special attention in the forthcoming period: (a) promoting

the universal ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights

of the Child; (b) further consolidating regional governance structures on violence

against children; (c) continuing the series of expert consultations on violence-related

topics; and (d) conducting a global survey to assess progress and inform further

action in the area of preventing and responding to violence.