On the Road to Bogotá - Africa’s pivotal role in ending violence against children

Bogota, 06 November 2024 - By 2030, Africa's child population is projected to reach 750 million, and by 2055, the continent will be home to 1 billion children, almost 40 per cent of the world’s girls and boys. 

Amidst growth, the continent is grappling with a poly-crisis driven by climate change, conflict, health emergencies and displacement, whose elements interact to collectively increase the vulnerability of children to violence. With over half of the continent’s population under the age of 18, the actions we take today will shape Africa’s tomorrow. 

However, violence against children remains a critical issue. Every day, millions of African children experience violence at home, in schools and institutions, within their communities and online. It is the right of every child to grow up free from violence – enshrined in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Preventing and responding to violence against children is a moral and economic imperative deeply connected to the health, prosperity and peace of societies. 

As we approach the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia on 7-8 November 2024, Africa has an unparalleled opportunity to underscore its commitment to the safety, dignity, health and well-being of all children on the continent. This pivotal moment arrives at a time when African leaders from more than 30 countries, the African Union, policymakers, civil society organizations and communities are rallying together under continental and global frameworks which highlight the high-level commitment made to end violence against children on the continent and world-wide and prioritize a prosperous future for its youngest. The Bogota conference offers an additional opportunity for African leaders to showcase the progress that has been made and to share their future commitments. 

A continental mandate to end violence 

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 aims for a peaceful and prosperous Africa, calling for inclusive development where every child is protected and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Agenda 2040, “Africa Fit for Children,” further reinforces this goal, setting ambitious targets, inter alia, to eradicate violence against children. The adoption of the African Digital Compact prioritizes the protection of children in the digital environment. All these frameworks emphasize that the future of Africa’s children is intrinsically tied to the continent’s development aspirations. 

Despite these commitments, progress has been slow. While many countries have developed national plans to end violence against children, implementation remains insufficient and inconsistent. Harmful cultural norms, inadequate legislation and a lack of resources continue to exacerbate the needed progress. It is time for a unified approach to addressing violence across Africa—a holistic, multisectoral approach that tackles root causes, strengthens legal frameworks and prioritizes child protection at all levels. 

Africa at the Global Ministerial Conference 

The Global Ministerial Conference in Bogotá is a vital platform for African nations to share their successes, challenges and lessons learned on the global stage. By presenting a unified front, African countries can demonstrate their commitment by prioritizing strategic investments in sustainable human development and mobilizing dedicated financing and human resources to scale up local, national and regional initiatives that prevent and respond to violence against children. It is also an opportunity to remind the world that Africa is not only committed to ending violence against children but could very well lead global change in this area. 

The power of partnerships 

Ending violence against children cannot be achieved by governments alone. The United Nations, civil society and faith-based organizations, donors, the private sector and local communities must work hand-in-hand to create safer environments for all children. This collective action must include efforts to  strengthen and promote social norms that respect children’s rights and prioritize their well-being. 

UNICEF, WHO and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Violence against Children will continue supporting Member States and fostering peer learning to ensure all children live free from all forms of violence, working closely with philanthropies such as the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). We will continue advocating for policy changes that protect the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities and children on the move. 

At country level, UNICEF and WHO will continue to support Member States to strengthen child protection systems, gender sensitive parenting and caregiver programmes, safety in schools, investing in a dedicated social service workforce for child protection, promoting childcare reform for adequate and quality care within family settings, including family based alternative care, and supporting the provision of response services. CIFF will be expanding its philanthropic efforts to end violence against children, embedding this goal across our programs and advocating for greater financing from fellow philanthropies. 

A call to action 

We call on African leaders attending the conference to advocate for stronger investments in integrated, inclusive, and gender-responsive child protection services and to push for policies that prevent and respond to violence. Investments in health, education, social welfare, justice, social protection and child protection systems play a crucial role in reducing violence against children. By empowering children to protect themselves and each other; and by strengthening families and communities to better engage with and nurture and protect children, we can build a future where violence is no longer tolerated and is effectively addressed when it happens. 

This is a moment for Africa’s leaders, united by shared values and vision, to take concrete steps to end violence against children in line with earlier continental and global commitments. By ending violence against children, we are investing in a brighter future for Africa—a future where children can thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to their societies. 

We owe it to Africa’s children to create a future where they can grow up free from fear and violence. The time to act is now. 

On behalf of: 

• Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children 
• Etleva Kadilli, Regional Director, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa 
• Gilles Fagninou, Regional Director, UNICEF West and Central Africa 
• Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director, WHO Africa 
• Faustina Fynn-Nyame, Executive Director, Africa, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation