BOGOTA, 7 November 2024 – Children are demanding political leaders commit to ending violence against them once and for all, with half of the world’s children facing brutality or abuse every year, Save the Children said at the start of the first global ministerial conference on ending violence against children (EVAC). 

Twelve young advocates representing nine countries - including Colombia, Nepal, and Zimbabwe -  are sharing their stories and impassioned calls for change to what is often an “invisible crisis” at the landmark conference, taking place from November 7-8 in Bogotá, Colombia. 

Each year, violence—including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect—affects about one billion children worldwide with far-reaching consequences that can persist into adulthood such as the risk of mental health conditions and social problems such as substance abuse.     

The intensifying climate crisis, ongoing and emerging conflicts, and the rapidly expanding digital world are all heightening children’s vulnerability and exposing them to new risks. 

“When I see how violence affects us day by day, how our dreams are shattered by fear, it drives me to raise my voice for children and adolescents,” said Salome, 16, from Colombia, where two in five girls and boys experience violence in their childhoods.  

“It is essential that children are included in the conversations and decisions that affect our lives, as our insights and experiences are invaluable in the fight against violence,” said Shekinah, 16, from Zimbabwe, at an EVAC side event this week organised by Save the Children, the Civil Society Organisations forum and partners.    

Sahadip, 16, from Nepal, said: “Silence is not a solution for ending violence against children, [nor can we stay] quiet to the problems we face.” 

One of the biggest challenges to understand the scale of childhood violence is the lack of comprehensive data. Much of it happens behind closed doors, goes unreported, and remains hidden due to stigma, making it hard to establish how many children are affected. 

Despite this, the impact is clear. Childhood violence can erode years of investment in education, health, and well-being, with lasting effects into adulthood. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found it to be the costliest public health issue in the U.S., and eliminating it could cut rates of depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, and domestic violence significantly. 

Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, said:  

“Imagine half the children in every classroom around the world facing violence each year, whether in their homes, communities or online. That’s the reality for over a billion children—one in two worldwide—enduring physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. And the truth is, progress towards ending violence against children is going backwards. 

“For too long, childhood violence has been an invisible crisis. This conference is an opportunity for world leaders to change that—and ensure that every child can grow up free from fear, harm, and abuse.” 

“Childhood violence is pervasive and universal, but it’s also preventable. It’s unfortunate that it has taken until 2024 to hold the first ministerial meeting on ending violence against children. This is a long-overdue step in the right direction, but leaders must go further—they must acknowledge the true scale of this crisis and commit to bold, concrete action to protect children from all forms of violence. The time to act is now, to listen to children who are demanding a future free from violence and make sure they are given a seat at the decision-making table.” 

Save the Children is calling on governments attending the EVAC conference to commit to comprehensive child protection systems that protect all children from all forms of violence, including ensuring that these systems keep children safe online and reach those who may struggle to access services, such as children affected by conflict, disasters, displacement, and migration. 

ENDS