Conference to be 'historic moment' for addressing violence against children: WHO official

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - This week's inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia is expected to mark a "historic moment" for addressing violence against children, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official.

During a virtual press briefing ahead of the two-day conference, which starts Thursday, Etienne Krug, the WHO’s director for social determinants of health, said the event will be unparalleled in its "level of political ambition."

“There will be very high-level representation from all over the world," Krug stated, noting that over 80 government ministers and high-ranking officials will convene to tackle a crisis affecting millions of children globally.

“We also have the director of the Pan American Health Organization representing the Americas, so we have strong representation," he added, mentioning that the conference will conclude with a significant call to action developed in collaboration with member states around the world.

He underscored that this call to action will prioritize "breakthroughs around parenting, ending violence in schools, and better services for those who are affected by violence."

Krug also indicated that various countries and organizations, including the WHO, will commit to pledges aimed at accelerating progress.

"More than 10 countries are going to pledge to end corporal punishment, which … requires changes in legislation. Several countries are also committing to increase support for parenting programs and provide better services," he said.

Daniela Liegiero, founder of the BRAVE movement, presented recent statistics indicating that one in five girls and one in seven boys experience sexual violence before reaching 18.

"This data, compiled in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, has been critical in highlighting the global scale of childhood sexual violence and advocating for enhanced protection measures," she added.

Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF’s director of child protection, provided further insight into violent discipline, a common form of abuse that affects children worldwide.

"We know that about 1.6 billion children ... two in three children globally, endure violent punishment by caregivers at home," Gupta explained. She added that of those children, "more than two-thirds are subjected to both physical punishment and psychological aggression."

The Global Ministerial Conference is recognized as a vital step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the objective of ending all forms of violence against children by 2030.