Government leaders and representatives from 25 countries in East Asia and the Pacific reinforced their commitment to ending violence against children during a virtual conference hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) from 1 to 5 November 2021.

The five-day conference, organized in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to place ending violence against children high on the recovery agenda, while drawing on the framework of INSPIRE: seven strategies for ending violence against children developed by WHO, UNICEF and other partners to drive forward evidence-based action.

It is estimated that up to 1 billion children globally experience some form of violence each year, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and bullying. Violence occurs in many settings, including the home, school, community and online, and is perpetrated by family members, intimate partners, teachers, neighbours, strangers and other children. Such violence inflicts harm, pain and humiliation on children; it also kills

Survey data have consistently shown that the prevalence of violence against children in the home has significantly increased since the start of the pandemic as containment measures were imposed and schools were closed.  

Over 375 million children in East Asia and the Pacific faced school closures for longer than 30 days, and online learning became a critical component of education and social connectedness for many children across the region. However, the increased exposure to digital technology has also led to a rise in online child exploitation and abuse. Furthermore, the pandemic has taken a significant toll on the mental health of children, young people and their caregivers.

While countries are easing pandemic control measures, this does not guarantee safety for children; far from it. The socioeconomic fallout will continue to impact already vulnerable families and exacerbate risks of violence, abuse, harmful practices and exploitation. As shrinking budgets come under the strain of competing priorities for the recovery, cuts in public and donor financing of welfare and protection services are inevitable without urgent action.

“As we near the end of 2021, we have identified many important lessons. One is the need to ensure that children are not left behind, and that violence prevention and response efforts are centred in COVID-19 response and recovery strategies,” said Dr Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

A key pillar of the conference was ensuring that the voices and recommendations of young people were heard by participants. “My message to Governments and every international organisation is that I hope that you will continuously support, listen and work hand in hand, and join forces as one to help protect young people and children from violence,” said Sopanha, a member of the UNICEF supported youth network, AYRG in Cambodia.

“I wish the Government would hear all of our voices and suggestions,” added Eula Genrill Dela Cruz, a child delegate from the Philippines. 

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