A/HRC/25/47 crimes committed against them”.13 The experts further emphasized that without freedom from violence, sustainable development could not be fully achieved. 40. Political support and sound resources are indispensable to achieve this goal. In the same statement, the special procedures also stressed that “inclusive, sustainable and duly funded child protection systems should be established in all countries, supported by sound investment in social protection programmes to address the root causes of child rights violations, to promote universal access to basic social services that help families care for and protect their children, and to safeguard the rights of children in need of assistance and alternative care”. 41. Secondly, it is critical to identify practical goals, targets and indicators to accelerate and monitor progress in children’s protection from violence. It is high time to measure what we treasure! Children’s safety and freedom from violence cannot be neglected, as they are indispensable dimensions of social progress and sustainable development. 42. In this regard, the High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda recommended the inclusion in the future agenda of dimensions such as eliminating all forms of violence against children and in particular against girls, and ending child marriage.14 43. This is an area where the international community can capitalize on the important efforts promoted within and beyond the United Nations system, including quantitative and qualitative monitoring tools developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and others that play a role in child protection. There is in fact a sound foundation to build upon, including data on child and maternal mortality, on homicides, on sexual violence, female genital mutilation and child and forced marriage, on birth registration and on violent child disciplinary practices, as well as on attitudes towards violence, confidence in justice and security institutions, and on willingness to report incidents of violence. 44. Thirdly, it is imperative to include in this process those who are most affected. Children and young people need to be provided with genuine opportunities and platforms to share their views and experience of violence, and to actively influence the shaping of the future agenda, as true partners and agents of change. 45. Significant work has been promoted in this area by civil society partners. With their support, children and young people are participating in consultations on the future development agenda. In Costa Rica, for example, young people shared the vision of their country as a nation where people can live in safety and without fear; a nation where everyone shares a deep commitment to eliminate all forms of violence in the home, in education spaces and in the community — from physical maltreatment to gender-based violence, bullying and abuse, including sexual abuse. 46. As the international community moves forward in the shaping of the post-2015 development agenda, it is crucial to promote an agenda that is solidly anchored in human rights, that bridges development and children’s protection concerns, and that is visibly guided by the best interests of the child. 47. The human dignity of children and their right to protection from violence must be at the heart of this global effort, just as they must be at the heart of national strategies. As it marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the 13 14 10 Ibid. A New Global Partnership, pp. 30–31.