Moving from Words to Action

By Leila Milani and Claire Kao

As the curtains close on the pivotal Global Ministerial on Violence Against Children , the FUTURES team is left with not just the echoes of discussions but a more profound commitment to protecting our most vulnerable—our children.?

This gathering brought together advocates, policymakers, and experts united in a shared mission: to eradicate violence against children, especially the prevention and response to sexual violence and abuse. To accomplish this goal, the Ministerial Conference identified the following key needs:

• Robust Legislation: Enacting and enforcing laws that address sexual violence against children is non-negotiable. This legal framework must prioritize prevention, protection, and prosecution, upholding children's rights.
• Comprehensive Education Programs: Equipping children, parents, and educators with knowledge about sexual violence, its signs, and preventive measures ensures a more informed society that can act swiftly against abuse. Education is a cornerstone in building a culture of prevention.
• Strengthened Support Systems: Enhancing access to support services for victims, including psychological counseling, legal aid, and safe spaces, is crucial for fostering recovery and resilience. Survivors deserve responsive and compassionate care.
• Collaboration Across Sectors: Multi-sector collaboration involving health, education, justice, and community organizations is essential for creating a holistic approach to violence prevention that leaves no child behind.
• Engagement of Children and Youth: Empowering children to participate in discussions about their safety and well-being ensures their voices shape the initiatives to protect them. Engaging youth is vital for effective prevention strategies.

FUTURES remains committed to advocating for policies that reflect these priorities, and to support local communities to develop and implement innovative solutions to combat violence. By fostering partnerships among government, private sectors, and grassroots organizations, we can mobilize resources and prioritize funding for programs that protect children and families, with a targeted focus on ending sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Our advocacy efforts focus on ensuring that legislation reflects the lived experiences of those impacted by violence and creating systemic changes that promote safety and justice. That is why we paid close attention to the voices of youth and survivors as they shared powerful messages on panels and plenaries, underscoring the urgency for action:?

• Youth need to be heard. Many young advocates speaking on panels expressed the importance of including their perspectives in policymaking, as their firsthand experiences illuminate the impact of violence and abuse on their lives.?
• Support matters. Survivors emphasized the need for accessible and empathetic support systems. They shared stories of resilience and recovery and urged stakeholders to prioritize mental health resources and safe environments for healing.
• Education is crucial. Young people advocated for comprehensive educational programs that address prevention and provide skills for recognizing and reporting abuse. Knowledge truly is empowerment.

We found the closing ceremony particularly moving. The stage was illuminated with candles held by survivors, whose presence reminded us of the strength and resilience inherent in those who have faced unimaginable adversity.?

During the closIng ceremony, speakers shared this quote by Marta Santos Pais, former UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, that echoed the essence of our gathering: “The light of one candle can illuminate the shadows for many.” It was a focus on hope and healing.”

As the Ministerial closed, FUTURES is committed to advocating so promises made by the global governments do not fade into the background. It is our shared responsibility to hold ourselves accountable and create an environment where every child can thrive free from the threat of violence. Together, we can turn words into action and make a significant difference in the lives of countless children.

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