UNICEF UK calls for political leaders to support global effort to end abuse of children

“We must strengthen the UK’s response to child abuse and send a clear signal that such abuse will not be tolerated. This will fall on all of us – government, local authorities, community leaders and individuals. The psychological scars of abuse can last a lifetime and we all need to do what we can to keep children safe. 

“The Shadow Home Secretary’s recognition that governments and multi-lateral agencies must work together to tackle violence against children comes at a critical time ahead of the UN General Assembly later this year, when world leaders will be coming together to agree new global goals, which will also apply to the UK. 

It is vital that these goals include a robust target to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children. As well as tackling child abuse in this country, we would urge political leaders in the UK to support this global effort to end violence abuse and exploitation of children wherever they live.”