Toward a World Free from Violence: Global Survey on Violence Against Children

A Global Survey report to assess progress in the prevention and  elimination of all forms of violence against children, conducted under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children. The Survey is the first comprehensive attempt to assess progress in preventing and eliminating violence against children since the 2006 UN Study on Violence against Children. It provides a strategic insight into how far the world has come toward ensuring children’s protection from violence and, crucially, what still needs to be done to give every girl and boy the opportunity of enjoying a childhood free from violence. The Global Survey drew on regional processes and initiatives and was informed by reports received from more than one hundred  States. It is a significant source of information on national measures and initiatives designed to advance implementation of the recommendations of the UN Study. 

Preventing and ending violence against children requires a global effort on an unprecedented scale – an effort that includes political leaders as well as ordinary citizens, and children as well as adults. The cost of inaction – for every child, and for nations’ social progress –is simply too great to be tolerated.As the international community considers the global development agenda beyond 2015, the protection of children from violence, including the most vulnerable and marginalized girls and boys, must be made a priority and recognized as a cross-cutting concern.