Priorities and Commitments

Five strategic priorities have guided the agenda of the Special Representative:

• Consolidation of the Human Rights Foundation: Strengthening the framework for protecting children through the adoption of new standards such as

  • the Third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communication Procedure;

  • the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189);

  • the United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice;

  • This includes efforts toward the universal ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the General Comments, highlighted by the launch of a global campaign with UN partners in 2010.

• Enhancement of Awareness and Knowledge: Through field missions, expert consultations, and the development of thematic reports on key areas of concern, awareness and knowledge about violence against children have been enhanced.

• Strengthening of Partnerships: Collaborative efforts within and beyond the UN system have been bolstered to address violence against children effectively.

• Institutionalization of Cooperation: Ongoing cooperation with regional organizations and institutions has been institutionalized to create a broader impact.

• Promotion and Monitoring of Progress: The Special Representative has emphasized the need for a national policy agenda on violence against children, the enactment and enforcement of legislation banning all forms of violence, and the consolidation of data and research to safeguard children's protection and move toward the elimination of all forms of violence.