Conference was hosted by the Colombia and Sweden, in partnership with UNICEF, the WHO and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Ending Violence Against Children.

Violence against Children/Child Maltreatment

• It includes all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment and sexual abuse.
• Violence affects half of the world's child population.
  • Corporal punishment affects three out of every five children regularly in their homes.
• Violence is often hidden, fewer than half of affected children tell anyone they experienced violence and under 10 per cent receive any help (WHO).

Consequences of Violence Against Children

• Health/ psychological Impacts:  E.g. anxiety, depression etc. 
• Physical Impact: Increased risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
• Developmental Disruptions: Early maltreatment is associated with a 13% higher likelihood of school dropout.

Measures Required 

• Evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing childhood violence. 
• Fostering safer learning spaces by emphasizing on School-based programmes targeting bullying and enhancing social skills.
• Adopting new digital safety initiatives to protect children from online exploitation.