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Co-hosted by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, UNICEF and WHO

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, 30 October 2018: Delegates from 21 countries in Asia and the Pacific are convening in the capital this week [October 30- November 1] to identify opportunities to accelerate action to end violence against children.

It is estimated that at least 1 billion children experience some form of interpersonal violence each year across the world. In Asia, at least 50 per cent of children experienced violence in the past year. In addition to having immediate and life-long consequences for children, violence against children places a long-term burden on health and social services, undermines investment and development in other sectors (such as health, early childhood development, nutrition and education) and constrains economic development. Recognising the urgency of tackling this problem, the international community committed to ending violence against children by 2030 as a priority of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, 10 agencies, including WHO and UNICEF, collaborated to launch INSPIRE: Seven strategies for ending violence against children. From ensuring the enforcement of child-focused laws, to promoting positive parent-child relationships and providing socio-economic assistance, INSPIRE strategies are based on the best available evidence and represent demonstrated/proven effective approaches to ending violence. The Regional Conference focuses on translating the INSPIRE strategies into national contexts in the region.

Regional conference
The Regional Conference Towards the Implementation of INSPIRE: Seven strategies for ending violence against children is co-hosted by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), UNICEF and WHO. Cambodia was the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to conduct a national survey on violence against children, and to launch a national Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Children informed by INSPIRE principles and strategies.

“The INSPIRE conference provides a forum for countries to learn from each other and from experts around the world about evidence-based practices that have the greatest potential to reduce violence against children” says His Excellency Vong Sauth, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.

“UNICEF welcomes the wide participation from countries across the region, highlighting the importance of ending violence against children. This conference provides an opportunity to become aware of the devastating life-long impact of any form of violence on children. I call for legislation and action from all parties and partners so that no child grows up under the shadow of violence” says Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific Region.

Violence against children is a multifaceted problem which affects individuals, close relationships, communities and societies. No sector can end violence against children alone; engagement and collaboration across multiple sectors, such as health, education, social welfare, finance and justice, is essential for effective prevention and response.

WHO recognizes the critical role of the health sector and stands committed to providing countries the support they need to protect children from violence and its life-long consequences to health,”” says Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

Every child has the right to a childhood free from violence. The INSPIRE Regional Conference will serve as a catalyst for renewed commitment and accelerated action in the region towards ending all violence against children by 2030.