A Pivotal Year in the Global Fight to End Violence Against Children - Joint statement by the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children and UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

New York, 10 December 2024 – As we mark Human Rights Day, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children reflect on the challenges and gains made during 2024. Children are facing violence on a massive scale across the world, due to multiple and overlapping crises.

With five years to go. we are not on track to keep the promise of the Agenda for Sustainable Development to end violence against children by 2030.

Despite the bleak picture, this year has been a significant milestone in the effort to protect children from violence. We have witnessed a reinvigorated coalition of governments, civil society organizations, and international institutions coming together to amplify efforts toward ending violence in all its forms.

On November 7th and 8th, 120 country representatives, including more than 50 ministers, convened in Bogota for the first-ever Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children. Governments and organizations submitted over 120 pledges with renewed commitments and transformative actions.

At the Conference, over 40 countries also committed to working collectively within the newly revitalized Pathfinding Global Alliance to end all forms of violence against children.

In September, the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General signed a Cooperation Agreement to enhance mutual support and attention to ending violence against children by ensuring the full implementation of all children’s rights outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Special Representative continued during 2024 her global consultations with children and young people to give them a platform through which they can speak out against violence and advocate for their rights. Similarly, the Committee on the Rights of the Child heard from children about their personal experiences of violence and their ideas for how to bring about change. These engagements have helped foster greater youth engagement and advocacy, ensuring that the recommendations for reforms to laws, policies, programs, and services are more responsive to the needs and aspirations of children themselves.

As we pause to reflect on Human Rights Day, the progress made demonstrates the promise of international collaboration, the commitment of pathfinder governments, and the tireless advocacy of those working with and for children. Yet, despite these advancements, we must recognize that the fight is far from over. There is no time to waste. Let’s act now for and with children!