All children deserve the opportunity to live free from the threat of violence. This goal couldn’t be more critical for African nations. Africa has the largest youth demographic of any continent, and by 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth.
As we work towards ending violence against children, we must acknowledge that digital technology is an integral part of children’s everyday lives, with both unprecedented opportunities but also risks of harm.
To ensure the continued leadership and influence of the U.S. in the prevention of and response to violence against children globally, we are requesting at least $10million in funding to support VACS directed by CDC to meet the demand across a more comprehensive geographic range of implementation relevant to U.S. foreign assistance priorities.
With six weeks to go until the first ever global Ministerial on ending violence against children we are at a tipping point to protect the 1 billion children who experience violence every year.
Ahead of the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, we must call on governments to take action for children, adolescents, and youth. Learn how to create your own Call to Action to urge your government to take action to end violence against children at the Ministerial Conference with this new guide
Violence against children is a public health and human rights crisis, but we know there are solutions. Quality, comprehensive data is critical to illuminating this pervasive problem and can be used to inform evidence-based solutions that have delivered proven results.
We are more than halfway to the 2030 deadline for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, but most African countries are struggling to make sufficient progress. Africa has a chance to meet them by investing in its greatest resource: its young people.
All children have a right to learn. The threat of violence stops many from going to school and many more from achieving learning outcomes. If they are serious about education, governments must invest in understanding the nature and drivers of violence against children and use data and evidence to ensure their safety.
It is not enough for children to attend school. We must also ensure they are safe doing so. Violence prevention and response should be integrated into education policy and programming to ensure safe schools for all students.
Right now, the stakes could not be higher for millions of adolescent girls and young women. Sustained funding for PEPFAR means extending a lifeline by accessing services to help them heal and thrive, pursuing education while living HIV-free lives.
With data from 23 countries we've successfully created evidence-based solutions to reduce violence against young girls, including ending child marriage and other harmful norms. See the VACS in action.
Survivor advocates and allied leaders convened in Washington, DC to call on the White House and Members of Congress to ensure access to prevention, healing, and justice and draw attention to the silent scourge of sexual violence against children and adolescents in the U.S. and globally.