Violence Against Children and Youth Campaign

The Advocacy Team of UNOY Peacebuilders is joining hands with the network members to advocate the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Children.

Violence against children and youth is a global crisis that calls for global action. EVERYBODY has the responsibility to get involved to combat this crisis. Take the first step and visit the petition website.
To discuss the issue of violence against children and youth, please visit our online forum.

NGO meeting with Professor Pinheiro and Public Hearing in the European Parliament

The UNOY Peacebuilders Advocacy Team participated on April 14th 2008 to an NGO meeting with UN’s former independent expert on violence against children, Professor Pinheiro, followed by a public hearing in the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights in Brussels.

Professor Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro was appointed Independent Expert to lead the Study on Violence Against Children on behalf of the Secretary General in 2003. The study was published in 2006, and Pinheiro’s mandate formally ended in December 2007. However, Pinheiro is still very active and engaged in this issue and took the time to meet with NGOs working on children rights prior to the parliamentary hearing in Brussels. During this meeting, Professor Pinheiro gave an update on the latest developments with regards to the study, including the approval of the post of a Special Representative on violence against children. Furthermore, he answered questions from the audience and gave recommendations for further action. The study provides very clear recommendations, and it is up to the NGOs to now take appropriate follow-up measures.

The public hearing in European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights focused on the new EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child, which were adopted by the European Council in December 2007, as well as the EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict. The main discussion focused on the role of EU and children’s rights, especially with regards to external action.

Pinheiro encouraged the EU to continue being a driving force with regards to the protection of children’s rights. The UN study should not only be a book, but also an effective tool for protection of children’s rights. The participation of children and adolescents in the study confirmed the need for continued involvement of children in all issues concerning them, in addition to civil society participation in decision-making. Pinheiro also stressed the importance of dialogue and not only finger pointing. The EU guidelines were designed to support to support foreign policy, but should also guide internal measures within the EU and he encouraged the EU countries to do what they are preaching. Finally, Pinheiro informed the Subcommittee that a long term vision and high political commitments are needed to create lasting solutions for children.

Karen Schroh, the representative from PLAN, recommended awareness raising and dialogue with third countries. Furthermore, EU measures should support existing UN structures and the EU should take a leading role in the promotion of child rights. She stressed the urgency by reminding the audience that children are not only the future, but also the present.

Marta Santos Pais from UNICEF presented to the EU some strategic recommendations. She said it is important with awareness-raising on how the guidelines should be used and that the guidelines are translated into several languages, including child-friendly versions. Secondly, it is important with capacity-building both in Brussels and in the field and the guidelines should be mainstreamed through systematic training. The necessary resources should also be made available. Finally, partnerships need to be institutionalised. She stressed that the agenda is set and the tools are ready. There is now a unique momentum and no time to lose. In fact, action should have been taken yesterday.

Recommendations of UNOY Peacebuilders

Youth should be made possible to learn life skills that prevent them from encountering violence in their personal lives.
Youth should be involved in active citizenship.
Peace at all levels of decision making should be promoted for youth not to be victims of any form of violence.
Adequate social and recreational spaces for youth and children within the community should be available.
Social, juridical and health services to accommodate and respond to the needs of children and youth should be in place.
Civil society and decision makers should challenge the use of violent content and representation in the media.

The full position paper will be put online shortly. The 2007 campaign has just started. Please keep visiting our website for updates on events, statements and toolkits on Violence Against Children and Youth.

History of the UN Violence against Children and Youth study

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Children was a global effort to describe the nature, extent and causes of violence against children and youth, and to propose clear recommendations for action to prevent and respond to it. The Study marks the first time that the reality of violence against children around the world has been documented, and global recommendations made to stop it. Since 2003, thousands of people have contributed to the Study in consultations and working groups, through questionnaires and in other ways. Children and young people have been active at every level. On 11 October 2006, Professor Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, the Independent Expert who was appointed to lead the Study, presented the final Study Report to the UN General Assembly in New York in October 2006.

Achievements of UNOY Peacebuilders

UNOY Peacebuilders has been working with PLAN Netherlands on the issue of violence against children and youth in the build up towards and during the launch of the UN Secretary-General’s Study on Violence Against Children. In collaboration with a number of partners (PLAN Netherlands, NCDO, Earth Charter Youth Initiative, Youth Incentives), UNOY Peacebuilders has conducted a range of activities:

visited the Philippines to study the reality of violence against children and youth;
lobbied Dutch Members of Parliament and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
made a Statement on Stop Violence Against Children and Youth, which was presented to the Earth Charter Council Members, in Amsterdam in October 2006, in collaboration with several youth organisations;
participated at the launch of the Study during the 61st General Assembly and its surrounding events at the UN Headquarters in New York;
visited the Global Youth Leadership Summit, educated the youth delegates on the Study and lobbied them to promote the study and its recommendations in their home countries;
participated in the Regional Launch of the Study in Geneva and Brussels;
held meetings with the UN agencies and NGOs involved in the Study in New York, Geneva and Brussels, including amongst others, the Secretariat of the Study, the NGO coalition, UNICEF, and Save the Children.

Following up on the past successes, UNOY Peacebuilders wants to work together with her members in advocating and campaigning for the implementation of the recommendations of the study by government and other relevant institutions at the local, national and regional level.

This project is supported by Plan Netherlands