It Takes A World To End Violence Against Children

Monday, November 20, 2017

On Universal Children’s Day, World Vision Australia chief executive Claire Rogers has called on Australians to take action to prevent violence against children, including horrific levels of violence witnessed and suffered by children in Myanmar.

“A billion children experience violence every year. It happens in every country, city and community. If you are heartbroken when you hear of violence against children, make a commitment - and take action!” Ms Rogers said.

“With World Vision’s campaign, It Takes A World To End Violence Against Children, we hope to inspire a global movement to keep children safe and free from harm.”

Ms Rogers said that in 2017 the need is greater than ever before, with more than 33 million children displaced worldwide by conflict and natural disaster exacerbated by climate change.

“Children are always the worst affected by conflict wherever it happens. We’re seeing it right now in the refugee camps of Bangladesh,” Ms Rogers said. “Displaced children are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, and children fleeing Myanmar are no exception.”

More than 600,000 people have fled horrific violence in Rahkine State, Myanmar, since late August to reach the relative safety of Bangladesh. As many as 60 per cent of those are children, many of whom have witnessed or suffered atrocities. World Vision is setting up 40 Child Friendly Spaces in the sprawling refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

World Vision works in more than 100 countries and, through the It Takes A World to End Violence Against Children campaign, works with communities to stop trafficking, child marriage, exploitation and violence in the home. World Vision also lobbies local, national and global decision makers to implement policy change and increase funding for programs to protect children.

“Universal Children’s Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the fundamental right of the child to grow up free from violence, exploitation and abuse, and to consider how we can contribute to the global realisation of this right,” Ms Rogers said.

“Together, we can end violence against children. It takes a world to listen, and act.”

Media Contact: Stuart Rintoul 0407 241 492

Picture: Refugee children in a World Vision Child Friendly Space, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

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