Childhood Is in Our Hands: Why Global Leadership on Ending Violence Against Children Must Be Protected

Every year, more than 1 billion children experience violence. Behind this number are children facing abuse, exploitation, online violence, corporal punishment, and violence in their homes, schools and communities.

Violence against children is not inevitable. It is certainly preventable when there are strong leadership, accountability, sustained investment, and coordinated action across sectors.

At Child Helpline International, we see every day how vital it is for children to have access to trusted, safe and confidential support. Child helplines are often among the first places children and young people turn to when they are experiencing harm and distress.

And the data we collect annually from child helplines around the world reinforces this reality. In 2024, violence against children accounted for one in four contacts to child helplines globally, representing 630,818 contacts. Psychological and physical abuse were the two most frequently reported forms of violence. These figures are a stark reminder that violence remains a daily reality for far too many children and that accessible support services are essential.

That is why Child Helpline International, together with our civil society partners, is calling on UN Member States and the Secretary-General to protect and strengthen the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.

At a time of growing challenges for children worldwide, we cannot afford to weaken global leadership dedicated to preventing and responding to violence against children in all its forms. This mandate has played a critical role in keeping child protection high on the international agenda, supporting progress, and strengthening accountability for children’s rights.

As I shared in the Civil Society Forum video statement, we encourage careful consideration within ongoing UN budgetary and governance processes to ensure that this agenda remains adequately prioritized and resourced. Ending violence against children is not only a moral and human rights imperative. It is also a strategic investment in prevention, social stability and long-term economic development.

This point was also strongly reinforced by Dr Philip Jaffé, Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and Board Chair of Child Helpline International, who warned that progress is now at serious risk. At a time when violence against children remains alarmingly widespread, and resources for child protection are under increasing pressure, we must not weaken this work.

Ending violence against children requires strong and independent leadership. It requires sustained resources and political commitment. It requires coordinated multisectoral action. And it requires continued global accountability for children’s rights.

The cost of inaction is carried by children, families, communities and societies. But with the right leadership and commitment, we can prevent violence before it happens, respond more effectively when it does, and build stronger systems of care and protection for every child.

Childhood is in our hands.

We remain united with our civil society partners in advancing a world where every child can live free from violence.