Joint Press Release: From commitment to action: ending violence against children is possible

Joint Press Release: World Childhood Foundation, Permanent Mission of Sweden at the UN, and Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children

From commitment to action: ending violence against children is possible

NEW YORK (14 November 2024) – States and key stakeholders from the United Nations System, academia, civil society and survivors’ organizations identified on Thursday effective and sustainable actions to tackle violence against children.

The high-level event, "From Commitment to Action," was co-hosted by World Childhood Foundation, the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations, and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children and took place at the United Nations Headquarters.

The event reinforced the need for continued and collaborative global action. Through shared experiences and expert insights, participants reiterated that protecting children must remain a core priority across all societal sectors to create a future free from violence for every child.

It gathered international leaders, advocates, and experts on violence against children. The meeting built on key progress and recommendations from the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Bogota, Colombia, on 7 and 8 November, and stressed the importance of effective follow-up.

“With the momentum from Bogota, we now have a shared vision and roadmap to guide us forward. Governments have committed to ending violence against children, and this must lead to real change,” said HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Vice Honorary Chair, World Childhood Foundation.

The event also highlighted successful, integrated approaches to child protection that have the potential for broader implementation. Additionally, the event demonstrated how these strategies align with and enhance global commitments, such as those outlined in the Global Digital Compact.

Representatives underscored that translating high-level commitments into tangible actions is crucial for real change. The event also showcased effective partnerships and explored how collaborative monitoring of outcomes can strengthen global frameworks to protect children, especially in digital and physical spaces. It also underscored the importance of global cooperation in the ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights and well-being.

“Less than six years remain to keep the promise of the 2030 Agenda to end violence against children. There is no time to waste. We must act now, for and with children,”

said Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children.

Paula Guillet de Monthoux, Secretary-General World Childhood Foundation stated:

“Last week, 118 governments including 75 ministers gathered in Bogotá at the first-ever global ministerial conference on ending violence against children. And they made concrete commitments, on behalf of their countries, to the children of their countries, to do more to end violence against children”

Paula Guillet de Monthoux added: “This will need all of us. Now it’s time to prove ourselves and translate promises and knowledge into action”.

You can watch the event through this link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1q2ibqz7b