UN child rights envoy to visit Papua New Guinea amid escalating violence against children
Landmark mission to push for urgent reforms as nearly three in four children face abuse, neglect and exploitation
Port Moresby, 23 May 2025 – One of the United Nations’ most senior child rights envoys is set to visit Papua New Guinea for high-level talks amid rising concern over violence against children, historically low vaccination rates, and persistent malnutrition.
Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, will arrive in Port Moresby on Sunday 25 May for a five-day mission.
This is her first official visit to PNG, and it comes as the country steps up its role as a Pathfinder under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children (EVAC), which it joined in 2021.
In November last year, PNG participated in the Global Conference on EVAC in Bogotá, Colombia, where it presented its national pledge outlining key commitments to child protection reform.
Dr M’jid is expected to meet with Prime Minister James Marape, governors, senior ministers, parliamentarians, civil society groups, youth representatives, and members of the justice sector.
UNICEF PNG Representative Dr Veera Mendonca said the visit came at a critical time, with nearly three-quarters of children in the country experiencing some form of violence.
“Violence against children is widespread, devastating, and preventable,” Dr Mendonca said.
“No child should have to grow up in fear,” she said.
Dr Mendonca said the mission was expected to help mobilise support for EVAC implementation, increase investment in child protection services and the social service workforce, expand positive parenting programs, and improve coordination across sectors.
“Home to millions of children, PNG is one of the youngest countries on the planet,” she said.
“As we approach 50 years of independence, UNICEF stands ready to help the Government seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leverage its huge demographic dividend.”
The mission will also include consultations with young people, civil society actors, faith -based organisations, and frontline child protection practitioners.
Media contacts
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Papua New Guinea, visit https://www.unicef.org/png/
