Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children

The murder rate for under 18’s is much higher in the Americas as a whole than elsewhere. Image by PAHO.

Urgent Call to Action

At the opening of the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), made an urgent call to action to address violence against children, adolescents, and youth in the Americas.

“The Americas face the greatest challenge, but we are also the ones who understand this issue best,” highlighted the PAHO Director. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only reinforced the urgency to act,” he added, underlining the need for immediate and effective solutions.

Global Context

Globally, one in two children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years experience some form of violence each year. This violence takes many forms, all equally unacceptable and with enormous consequences. The Americas has the highest homicide rate in the world for those under 18 years of age, more than three times the global average (5.8 per 100,000, compared to the global rate of 1.7).

Adolescent Girls

When it comes to adolescent girls, the PAHO Director noted that globally, one in four girls aged 15 to 19 has experienced intimate partner violence before turning 20. “Sexual violence and early and forced unions are challenges that cannot wait to be addressed. We must act urgently to break this cycle of violence,” he said.

Conference Objectives

The conference in Bogotá represents a milestone in the collective fight against violence against children, as representatives from various nations gather to share knowledge and commit to concrete solutions. The conference will drive policy changes, mobilize resources, and demonstrate that violence prevention is possible.

Solutions

Dr. Barbosa underscored that evidence suggests that changes in social norms that discourage violence can be achieved. “By raising awareness and creating safeguards, we can reduce the number of children who witness violence in their homes or schools, and help prevent future cycles of violence,” he stated.

Conclusion

The PAHO Director expressed his gratitude to Colombia for hosting the event and highlighted the ongoing work of PAHO in strengthening health systems to support survivors and promote policy changes that protect communities. “We have the solutions to prevent violence; this is the time to act,” he declared. “We must focus on what we know works: evidence-based interventions that are proven to have real impact.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main objective of the conference?
A: The main objective of the conference is to address violence against children, adolescents, and youth in the Americas and to commit to concrete solutions to prevent violence.

Q: What is the current state of violence against children and adolescents in the Americas?
A: The Americas has the highest homicide rate in the world for those under 18 years of age, more than three times the global average.

Q: What are the solutions to prevent violence?
A: Evidence-based interventions that are proven to have real impact, such as changes in social norms that discourage violence, raising awareness, and creating safeguards.

Q: What is the importance of addressing social causes of violence?
A: Addressing social causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, is crucial to preventing violence.