Violence against children in Egypt

Download Report in Arabic
Download Report in English

Quantitative Survey and Qualitative Study in Cairo, Alexandria and Assuit

CAIRO, Egypt, 11 February 2015 – The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and the United Nations Children's fund (UNICEF) launched today a study on violence against children. The study focuses on children aged 13 to 17 in three governorates: Cairo, Alexandria and Assiut, and was conducted in partnership with the Center for Development Studies.

The study provides evidence on the magnitude and pattern of physical, emotional and gender based violence affecting children in the three selected governorates. It also provides useful information on the perception of parents, teachers and children on this issue.

In the year preceding the study almost two thirds of the children in the areas covered were victims of physical violence, and 78 per cent were victims of emotional violence.

"Violence against children is vast and its repercussions can be irreversible. It violates their basic right of welfare and dignity. The Egyptian child law and the 2014 constitution guaranteed that right for them. However, many parents, teachers and caregivers still practice or tolerate using violence against children. This study is an important step forward to address the challenge of violence against children in Egypt and it is our collective responsibility to end this and ensure that protection mechanisms are in place and fully implemented," said Dr. Azza El Ashmawy, Secretary General of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood.

The study shows that children and adults largely consider violence against children as an acceptable means of discipline: 50 per cent of parents and 35 per cent of teachers declared physical violence as necessary in certain situations.

"Violence has devastating effects on children. It is preventable and all children have the right to live free from violence. The study calls for Egypt to hold a zero tolerance policy on violence against children and to provide necessary support to parents and caregivers to this effect," said Mr. Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Representative in Egypt.

The study also highlights the high number of victims of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) (65 per cent in Cairo, 39 per cent in Alexandria, and 94 per cent in Assiut).