Every child deserves safety, yet millions face violence daily. An estimated 1 billion children—half of all the children in the world—are victims of violence every year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With the recently concluded first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, the United States (U.S.) has a historic chance to turn the tide.
All children deserve the opportunity to live free from the threat of violence. This goal couldn’t be more critical for African nations. Africa has the largest youth demographic of any continent, and by 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth.
Ahead of the Global Ministerial Conference, we want to highlight the work of three countries in Latin America that have the potential to make key pledges that can make a difference in the lives of millions of children.
As we work towards ending violence against children, we must acknowledge that digital technology is an integral part of children’s everyday lives, with both unprecedented opportunities but also risks of harm.