Case Study: The South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC)

The South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC) was formed in 2010 to facilitate the creation of strong partnerships between member states as they work to prevent violence against children and strengthen child protection systems. SAIEVAC provides a forum for collaboration and dialogue between governments, INGOS, UN agencies, civil society and children. The Governments in South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) have endorsed a 5 year Workplan developed in coordination with children and various international agencies. This workplan is a framework for the development of effective and comprehensive child protection systems, and addresses key issues for the region including child labour, sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking, corporal punishment, and early marriage.The legal reform intends to bring national legislation into compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and with other international and SAARC (South Asian Association For Regional Co-operation ) regional instruments.