Why a MANIFESTO 2010

Because the WWSF Child-Youth Section marks the 10^th Anniversary of the Campaign and World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse-19 November and celebrates its international coalition members & partners around the world who contribute in creating a culture for prevention of violence and abuse

Because 2010 is the beginning of a new decade during which adults and young people unite for better prevention and ultimately for the elimination of abuse and violence against children

Because Marta Santos País, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence against Children, started her mandate as a global independent advocate in favor of protection of children from all forms of violence, for the promotion of social and behavior change and the mobilisation of support to prevent child rights violations

Because the UN has declared 2010-2011 the International Year of Youth to help advance their full and effective participation in all aspects of society

Because WWSF launched on 12 August, International Youth Day, its interactive web site YouthEngage.com to mobilize and empower young people to become prevention actors of abuse and violence

Because we, as concerned citizens and aware of our shared responsibility, pledge to be vigilant in our daily lives, in our families, places of work, in our communities and places of worship, to help prevent and denounce abuse and violence committed against children and young people, by

• Prohibiting abuse and violence in all its forms (physical, sexual, emotional and neglect)
• Raising awareness that abuse and violence against children is a violation of children’s rights and encouraging everyone to challenge it
• Promoting non-violent values and examples of good prevention measures
• Participating in local activities and events such as the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse-19 November and/or the Prevention Education Week 13-19 November, using the WWSF Guide for citizen action
• Sharing effective ways for prevention of abuse and combating violence through legislation and national plans
• Regularly reminding UN member states of the overarching UN Study recommendations and urging them to demonstrate political will by providing adequate resources to deliver results.

Selected acts Facts and Figures (UN Study on violence against children and youth)

• As many as 150 million girls and 73 million boys worldwide are raped or subject to sexual violence each year, usually by someone in their family circle
• Between 133 and 275 million children annually are estimated to witness domestic violence
• Between 20 and 65 percent of school-age children report having been verbally or physically bullied in the past 30 days. Corporal punishment such as beating and caning is standard practice in schools in a large number of countries, and is often responsible for school drop-out
• 126 million children and youth are involved in hazardous work, often enduring beatings, humiliation and sexual violence by their employers
• Institutionalized children – whether in orphanages or detention facilities – are at particular risk of violence from the staff responsible for their care, including torture, beatings, isolation, restraints, rape and harassment
• Violence in the family in the form of harsh punishment is common in both industrialized and developing countries. Children in all regions have reported the physical and psychological hurt they suffer at the hands of their parents and caregivers
• Over 50’000 children a year die as a result of homicide
• 1-2 million are treated in hospitals for violence-related injuries
• The majority of violent acts against children are perpetrated by people who are part of their lives: parents, teachers, schoolmates, employers, and caregivers. In only 16 States has all violence against children been prohibited, leaving the vast majority of the world’s child population without adequate legal protections from violence
• Violence against children exacts extraordinary costs to society, and is linked to lifelong social and health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder; depression; antisocial and aggressive behaviors; substance abuse; lung, heart, and liver disease; impaired academic and work performance; problematic peer relations; and greater involvement with the criminal justice system.

Download the Manifesto PDF format