Key Takeaways
- UN Special Representative Najat Maalla M’jid warns of lagging efforts to end violence against children.
- 45 million children are displaced due to conflict, natural disasters, and climate crisis.
- Rising risks outpace global initiatives to protect children’s rights.
UN Special Representative Najat Maalla M’jid has issued a stark warning, stating that global efforts to eliminate violence against children are dangerously lagging behind the increasing threats faced by millions of children worldwide.
According to M’jid, the situation is particularly dire, with almost 45 million children displaced due to conflict, natural disasters, and the climate crisis.
The UN expert highlighted that these children are not only at risk from direct violence but also from the broader socio-economic challenges posed by displacement.
M’jid emphasized the need for a more robust and coordinated global response to address the escalating risks, urging governments and international organizations to step up their efforts.
She noted that while there have been some positive steps, the pace of change is not sufficient to protect the most vulnerable children.
The UN Special Representative stressed that the current approach is insufficient to keep up with the rapid changes and new challenges that are emerging.
M’jid called for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of displacement and violence, as well as immediate measures to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.
The warning comes as the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of addressing child violence in a rapidly changing world.
