Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

UN Officials Urge Backing For Child Violence Study

Top UN Officials Urge All To Back Annan’s Global Study On Violence Against Children

New York, Oct 12 2006 2:00PM

Highlighting the widespread incidence of violence against children in all parts of the world, top United Nations officials today stressed the importance of following-up on Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s in-depth study of the problem, by acting on its recommendations for better legislation and enforcement.

“I think that the decision of the Third Committee confirms the need for a follow-up, for the implementation of the recommendations,” Independent Expert, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, who prepared the study, told reporters at a public launch this morning and following yesterday’s UNICEF) –– which also collaborated in the research –– highlighted its “long and lasting effects.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“A comprehensive response is needed to keep violence out of children’s lives, countries for example must make sure that a well-functioning legal system is in place to protect children against violence with an enforcement mechanism to punish those who harm children,” said UNICEF Executive-Director Ann Veneman. “While legal obligations lie with the state, all sectors of society share the responsibilty of condemning and preventing violence against children.

As well as UNICEF, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the World Health Organization (WHO) also contributed to the study and similarly called for urgent follow-up to its findings.

"Violence against children is a violation of their human rights, a disturbing reality of our societies,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour in a press release. “It can never be justified whether for disciplinary reasons or cultural tradition. No such thing as a ‘reasonable’ level of violence is acceptable. Legalized violence against children in one context risks tolerance of violence against children generally.

WHO Acting Director-General Anders Nordström said that while health workers were the “front line” in responding to such violence, states had to put in enough resources to deal with the issue.

“States should pursue evidence-based policies and programmes which address factors that give rise to such violence, and ensure that resources are allocated to address its underlying causes and monitor the response to these efforts.”

Ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.