Daily suffering of children revealed in UN study

A global situation where physical, sexual and psychological violence is being perpetrated against children on a daily basis has been revealed in a UN report.

The first UN study of global violence against children concludes that violence against under 18s occurs in every country, every society and every social group.

The UN has called on states to outlaw violence against children and to ensure their rights are protected.

The study, which was requested by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, is the result of four years of research.

Professor Paulo Pinheiro, who led the study, said: “The best way to deal with violence against children is to stop it before it happens.

“Everyone has a role to play in this, but states must take the primary responsibility. That means prohibiting all kinds of violence against children, wherever it occurs and whoever is the perpetrator, and investing in prevention programmes to address the underlying causes.

"People must be held accountable for their actions but a strong legal framework is not only about sanctions, it is about sending a robust, unequivocal signal that society just will not accept violence against children.”

Statistics highlighted in the report include:

:: In 2002, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that some 53,000 children aged 0-17 died as a result of homicide;

:: According to the International Labour Office’s (ILO) latest estimates, 5.7 million children were in forced or bonded labour, 1.8 million in prostitution and pornography, and 1.2 million were victims of trafficking in 2000.

:: In 16 developing countries reviewed by a Global School-Based Health Survey, the percentage of school-aged children that reported having been verbally or physically bullied at school in the previous 30 days ranged from 20% in some countries to as much as 65 per cent in others;

:: According to the study, children in detention are frequently subjected to violence by staff, including as a form of control or punishment, often for minor infractions. In 77 countries, corporal and other violent punishments are accepted as legal disciplinary measures in penal institutions.

Although the consequences may vary according to the nature and severity of the violence inflicted, the short and long-term repercussions for children are very damaging.

Dr Anders Nordstrm, WHO Acting Director-General, said: “No matter whether it occurs in the family, school, community, institution or workplace, health workers are the front line for responding to violence against children.

“We must make our contribution to ensuring that such violence is prevented from occurring in the first place, and that where it does occur children receive the best possible services to reduce its harmful effects.”

“Violence against children is a violation of their human rights, a disturbing reality of our societies,” said Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“It can never be justified whether for disciplinary reasons or cultural tradition. No such thing as a 'reasonable' level of violence is acceptable. Legalised violence against children in one context risks tolerance of violence against children generally.”

UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman said: “Violence has a lasting affect not just on children and their families, but also on communities and nations.

“We welcome this comprehensive study on the impact of violence against children.”

The report to the General Assembly calls for a wide range of actions to be taken to prevent and respond to violence against children.

At a global level, the report calls for the appointment of a Special Representative on Violence against Children, with an initial mandate of four years, to act as a high-profile global advocate to promote prevention and elimination of all violence against children and to encourage cooperation and follow-up.

To download a copy of the report, please go to www.violencestudy.org