KEY TAKEAWAYS
In 2022, the United Nations recognised 18th November as the World Day for the prevention of the healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence (CSEAV) by passing a resolution.
The theme of the 2024 edition is “Emerging technologies: threats and opportunities for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse”.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Origin of the day
Significance
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
The United Nations recognises 18th November as the World Day For The Prevention Of The Healing From Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, And, Violence. The primary aim behind this initiative is to highlight the painful trauma of child sexual abuse, urging Governments worldwide to take decisive action against this issue.
It is a global initiative to raise awareness about the devastating impact of child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence (CSEAV) and to advocate for prevention and healing measures.
The theme for the year 2024 is “Emerging technologies: threats and opportunities for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse”. The theme highlights the dual role of technology in both aggravating risks and providing new tools for safeguarding children against exploitation and abuse.
ORIGIN OF THE DAY
World Day For The Prevention Of The Healing From Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse And Violence was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution A/RES/77/8 on 7th November 2022, which was sponsored by Sierra Leone and Nigeria and co-sponsored by more than 110 countries. It was adopted by consensus and a bang of the gavel by the assembly’s acting president, which was greeted with loud applause.
Sierra Leone’s first lady, Fatima Maada Bio, introduced the resolution and called child sexual abuse a “heinous crime” that especially affects girls who are at greater risk of experiencing forced sex and exploitation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Worldwide countless young people are victims of sexual misconduct and exploitation. It is estimated that approximately 120 million females under the age of 20 have experienced various forms of sexual abuse.
In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the dignity of children and their right to live free from violence is placed as a priority of the international development agenda through the implementation of a range of goals.
Sustainable Development Goal 16 also aims to reduce violence, end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children, promote the rule of law, combat organised crime, reduce corruption, and ensure inclusive and participatory decision-making.
CONCLUSION
To commemorate this Day for the Prevention of Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, the United Nations invites all Member States, relevant organisations of the UN system, other international organisations, world leaders, faith actors, civil society, including non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
The UN ensures quality education and raises public awareness of those affected by child sexual abuse and the need to prevent and eliminate child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence, including online and offline.
It also ensures the access of survivors and victims to justice and remedies, as well as facilitates open discussion on the need to prevent and eliminate their stigmatisation, promote their healing, affirm their dignity, and protect their right
FURTHER READINGS
World Day For The Prevention Of And Healing From Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse And Violence https://www.un.org/en/observances/child-sexual-exploitation-prevention-and-healing-day
18 Nov: Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual abuse https://www.coe.int/en/web/children/end-child-sexual-abuse-day
REFERENCES
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