UNICEF calls for urgent action to end violence against children

NEW YORK, 4 November 2024 – As world leaders, civil society, advocates, survivors, and young people convene at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia, UNICEF is urging immediate action to address the global crisis of child violence.

Violence against children, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide. The consequences are far-reaching, leading to physical injuries, mental health problems, and long-term trauma. Children exposed to violence are more likely to experience difficulties in adulthood, including substance abuse, aggression, and involvement in crime.

“We are the first generation to fully understand the extent, causes, and impact of violence against children, and the first to know the effective solutions,” said UNICEF Director of Child Protection Sheema SenGupta. “By investing in prevention, education, and support services, we can break the cycle of violence and create a world where every child is safe.”

Key Facts and Figures:

• Every four minutes, a child is killed as a result of violence.
• Approximately 90 million children alive today have experienced sexual violence.
• Over 650 million girls and women have been subjected to sexual violence as children.
• Nearly 50 million adolescent girls have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner in the past year.
• Over 400 million boys and men have experienced sexual violence in childhood.
• 1.6 billion children regularly face violent punishment at home.
• Violence claims the lives of around 130,000 children and adolescents annually.
• Close to 550 million children live with mothers who are victims of intimate partner violence.

The ministerial conference provides a crucial platform to intensify efforts to end child violence. UNICEF is calling for strong political leadership, evidence-based policies, and adequate funding. The organization emphasizes the need for universal access to parenting support programs, safe and enabling school environments, and targeted response and support services for all children in need.