SRSG welcomes adoption of ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence against Children

New York, 23 November 2015 - SRSG Santos Pais warmly welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence against Children (RPA/EVAC) by the 27th ASEAN Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Kuala Lumpur, on 21 November.

The RPA/EVAC shows the strong commitment of ASEAN member states to implement the 2013 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Violence against Children, which was a landmark in the global effort to establish a regional agenda on violence against children. The new ASEAN RPA/EVAC recognizes the human dignity and worth of each child and proposes concrete actions for implementation between 2016-2025 to address the many manifestations of violence against children. It also anticipates the need for action on emerging risks to children's protection from violence, such as those associated with the use of new technologies.

The RPA/EVAC is notable for its emphasis on promoting research and data so that actions at the national level are evidence-based, as well as encouraging sharing and mutual learning between ASEAN member states. This new Regional Plan will give a head start to ASEAN nations in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda, especially target 16.2 and other violence against children related targets.

SRSG Santos Pais also welcomed the adoption at the same meeting of the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The Convention seeks to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and to ensure just and effective punishment of traffickers while protecting and assisting victims. The Convention will be a valuable framework for promoting cooperation among ASEAN member states in the fight against trafficking and the risks it presents to the realization of children's rights.