‘Critical moment’ as violence against children reaches unprecedented levels worldwide
“Millions of children worldwide are victims of physical, sexual and psychological violence both online and offline, including child labor, child marriage, female genital mutilation,” she said. , gender-based violence, trafficking, bullying and cyberbullying, among many other issues.” .
According to the report, more and more children are vulnerable to violence due to so-called “multi-dimensional poverty”.
Half of the world’s children, about one billion, are identified as “at high risk” of being affected by the climate crisis.
One in six young people worldwide grew up in conflict zones.
“This is an important moment. Violence against children has reached unprecedented levels, caused by multifaceted and interconnected crises,” Ms. M’Jid said.
Children’s vulnerability to violence is a global issue, transcending geographical and socio-economic boundaries.
“The problem now is that no country is immune, no child is immune. In all countries, we see many forms of violence,” Ms. M’Jid said, adding that “you can have the same child be the victim of many different forms of violence over many years. different environments”.
Children around the world, including in Haiti (pictured), face the threat of violence in conflict situations.
According to the report, nearly 400 million children under the age of 5 regularly endure psychological abuse and physical punishment at home.
Data published by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEFbefore International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, it was estimated that more than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in eight, had been raped or sexually assaulted before the age of 18.
According to UNICEF, when including ‘non-contact’ forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, the number of girls and women affected increases to 650 million.
Online Mining
Ms. M’Jid expressed particular concern about online sexual exploitation of children.
“The problem is really huge,” Ms. M’Jid warned, with “the increase in internet connectivity among children and the rise of online predators.”
Many children face online abuse.
Cyberbullying has also emerged as a serious problem, with 15% of children worldwide reporting being victims.
The special representative noted that this is a complex issue to resolve. “This is not an easy task to tackle because you have three things to take into account. The victims, the bullies and the bystanders.”
Child labor: A form of violence
According to Ms. M’Jid, the report shows that 160 million children are still participating in child labor “a form of violence against children.” “Children should go to school, not work.”
She further emphasizes the interconnected nature of different forms of violence. “Many children who are victims of child labor are also victims of human trafficking, smuggling and sexual exploitation.”
Long-term impact
The report highlights the serious consequences of violence against children. “It has a lasting impact on children’s mental health. We see increased rates of suicide, behavioral disorders, eating disorders, drug addiction, despair and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Mrs. M’Jid also explained that “it affects children’s learning, achievement and learning”.
