What: The Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Consultation for the UN Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children is being organized at the request of the Study expert, Professor Paulo Pinheiro. It is one of nine regional consultations being held world-wide that will form an integral part of the study process.
The United Nations Study on Violence against Children is a landmark effort to provide a global picture of the nature, extent and causes of violence against children and propose clear recommendations to prevent and reduce such violence. As the first report of its kind on this subject, the study will draw attention to this global problem and urge Governments to fulfil their obligation to prevent and eliminate violence against children.
When: 18-20 July 2005
Where: Kopanong Hotel and Conference Center, Johannesburg.
Why: Violence against children is a matter of great concern. However, very little is known about the phenomenon besides the fact that it occurs in all countries, rich or poor, stable or unstable, and that it is extremely difficult to eradicate. In eastern and southern Africa, the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the impact of conflict and humanitarian disasters have resulted in large numbers of orphans, vulnerable children and families. Orphaned or vulnerable children are more likely to be coerced into sex, often putting them at risk of HIV infection. Community and institutional services that prevent violence and protect children are fragmented or weakened. Against this backdrop, this consultation will make recommendations on violence against children in homes, on the street, in schools, in custody or residential homes, and in the workplace.
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For further information, please contact:
Victor Chinyama, UNICEF ESARO, Nairobi, Tel: (+254 722 701 505); vchinyama@unicef.org
Yvonne Duncan, UNICEF South Africa, Mobile (+27 82 561 3970); yduncan@unicef.org
