A/HRC/22/55
D.
Building a culture of non-violence
79.
As the Study recognizes, progress in violence prevention and elimination is strongly
dependent on the effectiveness of efforts designed to strengthen a widely shared culture of
non-violence and overcome the social acceptance of violence.
80.
There have been efforts by countries in all regions, including through initiatives to
disseminate information and raise awareness about the serious impact of violence on
children, as well as of effective non-violent child-rearing and education approaches. In
some cases capacity-building activities have been undertaken for professionals working
with and for children, including social workers, teachers and law enforcement officials, as
well as medical personnel and health workers, and correctional and immigration personnel.
81.
Efforts to sensitize public opinion about children’s exposure to violence have in
some cases addressed distinct manifestations of violence, including sexual abuse and
exploitation, domestic violence and trafficking, and – increasingly – violence associated
with the use of new technologies, Internet safety and the prevention of online grooming.
Some initiatives have addressed the school environment, helping to raise the profile of
children’s protection from bullying, corporal punishment and sexual violence; others were
tailored to the protection of children in residential care and justice institutions.
82.
To reach a wide audience and influence the public debate, these initiatives were
supported by print and audiovisual and electronic media and radio programmes and
television spots, competitions (drawings, essays), concerts and street dramas.
83.
Some countries organized training for media professionals on the dissemination of
positive messages about violence prevention and on child-sensitive reporting of incidents of
violence.
Strengthening children’s participation
E.
84.
The process of preparing the Study on Violence against Children proved to be an
important catalyst for the development of child participation, a process which in recent
years has gained ground and is helping to forge new partnerships among children, parents,
researchers, service providers and governmental institutions.
85.
The survey yielded important information about national and regional initiatives
supporting meaningful participation of children in processes and initiatives. In some cases,
these have led to the adoption of significant children’s declarations in the framework of
regional consultations on violence against children.9 A number of countries promoted the
establishment of children and youth councils and parliaments and introduced policy and
legal provisions on children’s participation, while supporting the involvement of children in
the design and implementation of laws and policies through consultations, seminars and
workshops.
86.
Alongside initiatives to enhance the capacity of adults to support children’s
participation, the survey shows an increasing focus on strengthening the skills of children
themselves to enable them to engage with decision makers and create change within their
communities.
87.
Despite these significant developments, there are very few examples of efforts to
measure their effectiveness and impact. While the creation of children’s councils and
9
Information available from http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/category/document-type/childrendeclarations (accessed on 31 December 2012).
17
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