It is possible to end violence against children, and it makes economic sense - UN Report

NEW YORK (10 October 2024) - Levels of violence against children worldwide are at an all-time high and are on the rise, according to a UN report released today, which emphasizes that by working together, states and stakeholders can reverse this appalling trend.

“The data shown in the report is alarming and likely underestimated,” said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid.

“Millions of children worldwide are victims of physical, sexual, and psychological violence both online and offline, including child labor, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, trafficking, bullying, and cyberbullying, among many others.” 

The report, published by the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, takes stock of the progress made and challenges remaining since the Office was established fifteen years ago.

It states that ending violence against children is still possible if states and key stakeholders work together, increase programs and resources, and recognize that investing in child protection is a wise investment.

“Change is possible. However, we need context-specific and sustainable investment to take solutions to scale,” added Dr Maalla M’jid. 

“Powerful examples of action by States and other key stakeholders -private sector, academia, religious leaders, human rights institutions, media, civil society and children themselves- demonstrate that the necessary paradigm shift can be achieved if we act collectively and differently, with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” said the Special Representative.

The report emphasizes that investing in child protection is not an expense but a crucial and worthwhile investment with a high return on children's well-being and society's future.

“Children are not a problem to resolve. They are an asset to invest in,” stressed Dr Maalla M’Jid.

The Special Representative stressed that strengthening cross-sectoral and multistakeholder collaboration is one of the aims of the reinvigorated global alliance of more than 40 Pathfinding countries to end violence against children, which she is leading since January 2024.  

The official launch of the renewed global Pathfinding alliance will take place at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, on 7 and 8 November. This Conference aims to be a game-changer, as it will be a key opportunity to maximize positive change for children. 

“Let’s not wait another 15 years - ACT NOW for and with children!”

ENDs

A/79/242 - Link to the UN General Assembly

Statement delivered during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly:

Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, 

I am pleased to present my annual report today and express my gratitude to all States and other partners who have actively contributed to my Office's work.  2024 marks the fifteenth anniversary of my Office's establishment. This is a significant opportunity to take stock and strengthen mobilization. Mobilizing, supporting, and connecting States remains central to my work, as does documenting and sharing good practices. During my country visits across all regions and through the ongoing engagement with Member States, I stressed the critical need for strengthening child protection systems and identifying concrete and context-specific actions together. Bearing in mind the continuum of violence against children before, during, and after conflict, I work closely with my colleague, the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. I continue to pursue evidence-based advocacy together with UN partners, civil society, faith-based organizations, financial institutions, the private sector, and academia. Most importantly, my work continues to be informed by children. This year, I have engaged directly with over 2700 children. Children are duly involved in producing child-friendly versions of the reports and materials produced by my mandate. 

Excellencies,

Violence against children has reached unprecedented levels. The data shown in the report are alarming and likely underestimated. Millions of children worldwide are victims of physical, sexual, and psychological violence both online and offline, including child labor, child marriage, female genital mutilation, gender-based violence, trafficking, bullying, and cyberbullying, among many others. But we know that ending violence against children is possible and makes economic sense. 

Excellencies,  

Powerful examples of action by States and other key stakeholders demonstrate that violence can be prevented if we act collectively and differently, with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. We’ve seen political commitments at the highest level, prioritizing child protection in the political agenda, under the leadership of the head of government. This political commitment has been translated into the establishment of cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms that include the child protection, health, education, social protection, justice, law enforcement, labour, budget and planning sectors. More States are assessing the enormous economic costs of violence. In various countries, these costs can be up to six times the annual government expenditure on health. In addition, they are increasing the public budget and the human resources allocation to child protection and wellbeing. We have seen strengthened data collection and information management systems. We have also seen a wide mobilization of religious and community leaders who are promoting positive social norms, including through the Global Network of Religions for Children, with which my mandate works closely. Civil society organizations continue to play an indispensable role in advocacy and service provision despite the many challenges they face, including decreasing resources. The private sector is increasingly understanding its important role. For example, my engagement with the World Travel and Tourism Council has led to child protection being a priority in its work program. Regarding child protection online, some States are taking steps to ensure robust regulatory environments for the ICT sector. Children and young people are more and more involved in decision-making processes.  

Excellencies, 

Change is possible. However, there is still a need for context-specific and sustainable investment to take solutions to scale. Stronger transnational collaboration is required to address the increasingly complex and cross-border nature of violence and crimes against children. The recently adopted Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities for collective action. Strengthening cross-sectoral and multistakeholder collaboration is indeed one of the aims of the reenergized global alliance of more than 40 Pathfinding countries to end violence against children, which I am leading since January 2024. The official launch of the renewed global Pathfinding alliance will take place at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, on 7 and 8 November. This Conference aims to be a game-changer, as it will be a key opportunity to maximize positive change for children. 

Let’s not wait another 15 years - ACT NOW for and with children!