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Summary: Europe and Central Asia Regional
Consultation for the UN Study on Violence
Agasint children closes in Ljubljana.[LJUBLJANA, 7 July 2005] – The Regional Consultation for Europe and
Central Asia closed today with the adoption of the Ljubljana Agreement. In
his closing remarks to the plenary, the Minister of Education of Slovenia
said that much had been achieved, however, expressed his deepest
sympathy for the victims of the events that took place in London this
morning, and his sorrow for the deep impact these will have on all,
particularly children.
Over two hundred participants from governments, civil society and young
people, coming from 52 countries in the region took part in a three day
consultation to share experiences and discuss solutions for ending all
forms of violence against children. The outcomes of the consultation will
feed into the UN Study to be presented to the UN General Assembly in
2006.
Rima Salah, Deputy Secretary-General of UNICEF said we cannot wait
another year, or another day for action. This meeting, she said, has
stressed the need for a total ban on corporal punishment, with no
exception. Violence in institutions must stop, but the institutionalisation of
children should be avoided in the first place.
She reminded delegates that Europe was in a privileged place with strong
legislation, and with the work of the Council of Europe, where there is a
forum for common action. “Laws and policies are essential first, but we
must go further. We need more commitment, and we need you to go back
to your country and act on these commitments. Violence against children
should be, and must be everyone’s responsibility and everyone’s problem.”
A young representative said “few conferences are followed by efforts that
contribute to the betterment of society. Generally much is discussed, but
nothing concrete is being done in this time. It’s up to us to make sure that
children do not suffer and we have the power to help them and it’s our
obligation to really help them right now.”
For more information, click
href='http://www.crin.org/violence/regions/region.asp?regionID=1008'>
here.