SEXUAL VIOLENCE: Side event at the Human Rights Council

Summary: Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway in cooperation with Plan, Terre des Hommes International, International Save the Children Alliance, Bureau International Catholique de l’Enfance, Women World Summit Foundation (WWSMF), World Vision International and the NGO group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

NEW: Read our report on the side event

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Children’s immediate surroundings, such as the family and the school settings are often perceived as having the greatest potential to protect children from all forms of violence. Sadly, for many children this is not the case. Every year, all over the world, many children become victims of sexual violence, often perpetrated by people who are responsible for their care and protection, including family members, care takers and teachers.

With the participation of Ms. Marta Santos Pais, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, this meeting will examine:

• The reality of sexual violence against boys and girls within the home and in school
• Good practices for the protection of children and for the consolidation of child protection systems
• The importance of participation, especially youth involvement as a protection tool against sexual violence, including youth involvements
• Children’s immediate surroundings, such as the family and the school settings are often perceived as having the greatest potential to protect children from all forms of violence. Sadly, for many children this is not the case. Every year, all over the world, many children become victims of sexual violence, often perpetrated by people who are responsible for their care and protection, including family members, care takers and teachers.

This side-event on sexual violence at homes and in schools, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Norway, takes place at the Human rights Council at Palais des Nations, room XXI on the 11 th of March 2010 at 13-15.00.