New York. During the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, celebrities such as Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, together with Forest Whitaker, the Chairman of UN Agencies, and other international representatives met with survivors and advocates, to talk about ending violence against children.
The meeting, led by the Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Project Everyone, brought together heads of state and government as well as representatives from countries such as Sweden, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Georgia, Canada, Iceland , Brazil and the United Kingdom together.
The event provided an opportunity for survivors to share their harrowing stories and for leaders to renew their commitment to support the global campaign to end violence against children. The high-level meeting was held shortly after the publication of an open letter from survivors, advocates and supporters. The letter, also signed by celebrities such as Forest Whitaker, Shudu Musida and Will Poulter, calls on world leaders to take drastic measures to end violence against children, especially by the upcoming global ministerial address in Colombia in November.
“The shocking numbers are only the tip of the iceberg. Each number represents a child whose life has been irrevocably shaped by violence. It is our duty to be here and now,” emphasized Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in his speech.
According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion children around the world experience violence in various forms every year, including physical punishment, school bullying, sexual violence and online threats. Other forms of violence include gang crime, child marriage and exploitative child labour. Studies show that protective measures such as supporting parents, school interventions, expanding child-friendly social and health services, enforcing protective laws and ensuring a safe internet can reduce violence against children up to 50 percent.
Will Poulter, actor and Ambassador of the Diana Awards, who hosted the event, confirmed the speed of action: “Every child who has suffered violence will carry these wounds with them for the rest of their lives. It is our shared responsibility to break these dangerous cycles and give every child a safe future free of violence.”
The meeting sends a strong signal to the international community: violence against children is not an individual problem, but a global challenge that must be overcome together. Those present called on governments around the world to move beyond words, to action, for the millions of children who urgently need protection and support.
2024-09-25 08:23:29
#Highprofile #figures #survivors #campaign #York #violence #children
