Delegations of governments from UN Member States, survivors, funders, practitioners, young people and children gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, November 7-8, for the first ever Global Ministerial Conference on ending violence against children. 

The two-day Conference convened by the Government of Colombia, and co-hosted by the Government of Sweden, UNICEF, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, and the World Health Organization, provided a platform to drive policy change, assemble resources for the mission of ending violence against children and provide a platform to victims/survivors to share their expertise and experience. 

The national delegations were joined by non-governmental actors and civil society allies including the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to track progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 16.2 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, to “end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children.” 

The participation of the Commission 

Commission Secretary, Mons. Luis Manuel Alí Herrera, spoke at the panel: “The role of religious communities in ending violence against children” chaired by Arigatou International, Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, World Council of Churches (TBC), Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence against Children, UNICEF, Adyan Foundation and World Vision. 

The panel explored the role of religions in leading efforts to end violence against children, and considered the unique position of faith communities, which by their  nature, teachings, influence, reach, structures, and sound commitment to protecting the most vulnerable are called to be key actors in building a safer environment for children. 

The Commission’s goal in participating in this international event was to listen and learn from governments, victims/survivor groups, civil society, NGOs, leading safeguarding experts, and United Nations officials. 

Principal topics discussed included addressing the data gap regarding sexual violence against children, the inclusion of victims/survivors in decision making processes, the urgency of legislative reform, and the importance of safeguarding investments to promote meaningful progress in the fight against child abuse. 

From Bogotá to Dubai: Interfaith networks to protect children across the globe 

Discussions and recommendations during the Bogotá Conference will be connected to the preparations for the 6^th forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) to be held in Abu Dhabi from November 19-21, hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities. The Commission will also participate in this international event. 

The main objective of the above-mentioned 6^th Forum is to bring together GNRC members, diverse religious leaders, to discuss the unique position and influence of religious actors in communities around the world, to exchange good practices and forge collaboration and new commitments for action to address global issues concerning violence against children. 

“In our social fight against child abuse, exploitation and all forms of violence against children, we are stronger when all agencies are able to work together, sharing information and resources, sending a clear message to victim/survivors that they are not alone, and of zero tolerance to those who could harm the vulnerable.”

Bishop Alí Herrera concluded.