Human Rights Council 55th Session.
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children – Najat Maalla M’jid.
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries.
12 March 2024
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Special Representative for her report and commend her for her unwavering commitment to address this grave issue.
Every child has the right to be protected from violence, regardless of their circumstances. Escalating factors such as conflict, climate change and socioeconomic disparities render children increasingly vulnerable to violence and demand a firm response, both on the national and international levels.
As violence against children in all its forms and settings continues to increase, the need to prevent and respond effectively to all forms of violence against children is more urgent now than ever. We in particular appreciate Dr. M’jid’s focus on the investment case for ending violence against children and her continued engagement to demonstrate the benefit of integrated approaches to tackle violence against children, highlighting the high returns on investment in proven cost-effective cross-sectoral services.
Special Representative,
Given the alarming rise in violence against children globally, what specific measures should be prioritized to continue to push for concrete, integrated and sustainable solutions that leave no child behind?
I thank you.