A/HRC/16/54 V. Looking ahead 81. The overall thrust of the Special Representative’s mandate is to accelerate progress in the implementation of the United Nations study recommendations and in children’s protection from violence. To advance this process steadily and achieve lasting change in the priority areas of the mandate, during the first year of the mandate attention was focused on the revitalization of networks involved with the development of the study, the promotion of new alliances and further consolidation of strategic partnerships, and particularly on the institutionalization of regional governance structures to combat violence against children. 82. Significant developments marked the first year of the mandate. These include legislative and policy measures taken at the national level to protect children from violence, strategic initiatives by United Nations agencies to mainstream countering violence against children in their agenda, and critical strides by regional organizations and political groups, as well as civil society organizations, to institutionalize the implementation process of study recommendations. 83. Across regions, violence against children is generating growing concern and attention, in many cases supported by a wide process of social mobilization in which children themselves are playing an indispensable role. At the same time, however, violence continues to affect the life of millions of children. Hidden and socially accepted, and still too often perceived as a necessary form of discipline, violence remains surrounded by passivity and indifference, and is associated with weak reporting, and fragmented and short-term interventions. As a result, it is seldom considered beyond the periphery of the policy agenda. In this ambivalent context, children find themselves overwhelmed by fear, trauma, isolation and helplessness. 84. Clearly, the urgency of safeguarding children’s freedom from violence has not weakened and it is imperative that the pace of progress made so far be consolidated. The second year of the mandate will therefore be a critical period for rallying firm and steady support to address persisting challenges, and to speed up global progress towards a world free from violence. 85. With this aim, and in the overall framework of the priorities of her mandate, in 2011 the Special Representative will place special emphasis on the areas described below. A. Towards universal ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child 86. 2011 is the middle year of the global campaign for the universal ratification of the Optional Protocols. It is therefore a crucial time to strengthen advocacy and policy dialogue to foster adherence to these treaties and to consolidate their effective implementation. Encouraged by the wide expression of support for the global campaign, which is rooted in significant commitments made by the international community, the Special Representative will promote actively the achievement of these goals. B. Global survey to assess progress in the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children 87. 2011 is the mid-term of the Special Representative’s mandate, and also marks five years since the review of the United Nations study by the General Assembly. It therefore offers a strategic opportunity to gain a perspective on the progress achieved, reflect on good GE.11-11445 19