Blue Heart

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact across the world. Efforts to contain the coronavirus are vital to the health of the world’s population, but they are also exposing children and women to increased risks of violence, including maltreatment, gender-based violence and sexual abuse.

Recent reports from countries in COVID-19 emergency have shown that restrictions in movement, social isolation and similar containment measures coupled with existing or increased social and economic pressures on families are leading to an increase in violence, particularly against women and children. In many countries around the globe, domestic violence has increased from 30% to 300%. In Viet Nam, 21 million children were at home as schools were closed during social distancing. This new reality has direct implications on child care patterns, protection and safety.

In many countries around the world, domestic violence increases from 30% to 300%. In Viet Nam, 21 million children have not attended school and were isolated at home in the past time. This new reality has a direct impact on the care, protection and safety of children.

UNICEF, UN Women and UNFPA partner with the Government and other international organizations including Plan International, ChildFund, Save the Children, World Vision and others to launch the Blue Heart Communication Campaign to raise awareness on the increased risks of violence against children and women in Viet Nam in these contexts and call for actions from the general public, parents, caregivers and children as well as policy makers to stand against violence.

The campaign is supported by a large number of celebrities and influencers who are amplifying the voices to end violence.