A/HRC/37/48 leaders and citizens from all walks of life in creating and widening circles of non-violence around children’s lives. 23. In October 2017, as part of the High Time initiative, the Office of the Special Representative launched Celebrating Childhood: A journey to end violence against children, a book that shares inspiring testimonies by remarkable child rights defenders of all ages and backgrounds who stand up for children’s protection from violence. It is a call to action to transform the continuum of violence surrounding children’s lives into a continuum of protection of their rights. 24. Celebrating Childhood includes the compelling voices of young people. The 2030 Agenda recognizes children as critical agents of change who channel their infinite capacities for the creation of a better, more inclusive world. A. Children as agents of change 25. The inclusion of children’s voices and experiences is critical to realizing the vision of the 2030 Agenda of a world free from fear and violence, and partnering with children is a crucial dimension of the Special Representative’s mandate. The United Nations study was the first United Nations report drafted in collaboration with children and young people. Their involvement remains crucial to the implementation of its recommendations, including in advocacy, expert discussions and the development of thematic reports. 26. Violence is a priority concern for children. This was a key message from the more than 800,000 young participants in consultations that informed the development of the 2030 Agenda, and was reconfirmed by an online opinion poll on migrant and refugee children conducted by the Special Representative in collaboration with UNICEF. Of the more than 170,000 young people surveyed, a large percentage saw violence as a serious phenomenon associated with children’s cross-border movements. Indeed, violence was identified as a key reason for children’s decision to leave their country, one of the most serious challenges faced during their journey, and an ongoing problem upon arrival in the destination country. 27. Violence, fear and insecurity were also among the deepest concerns expressed by children affected by detention situations. As a contribution to the development of the global study on children deprived of liberty,2 the Special Representative, together with partners in Latin America, undertook consultations and organized focus groups with children whose parents are in detention. 28. Children whose parents are in detention may be required to travel for long hours or days to spend just a few minutes with an incarcerated parent. They often have to meet in overcrowded and unfriendly places, under the scrutiny of security guards, enduring body searches and condescending looks. Children express their concern at personnel in detention centres who lack the skills to deal with young people or to treat them with respect. 29. The life of these children is characterized by marginalization, ostracism and a sense of hopelessness. They tend to come from families in situations of vulnerability and exclusion, are exposed to domestic violence, and have limited access to social services. They feel rejected, avoided and feared by other children and their families. They often face bullying in schools because a parent is in prison, and sometimes feel treated as if they were the delinquent. 30. Economic hardship caused by incarceration puts an additional burden on the household. Children may feel pressed to take on additional responsibilities to support the 2 6 See General Assembly resolution 69/157, para. 52 (d).