As South Africa prepares to host the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, Social Development Minister Dina Pule is today leading a Children’s Summit on Ending Violence Against Children.
The Summit, which is being held under the principle “Nothing About Children Without Children,” is being held at the ANEW Hotel in White River, Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
In a statement, the Department of Social Development said the two-day summit seeks, among other objectives, to elevate children’s voices by ensuring that their priorities inform renewed commitments and accountability processes.
“It will also facilitate the development of child-informed recommendations and foster multisectoral partnerships among Government, civil society, communities, development partners, the private sector and children,” the department said.
In 2024, the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children was held in Bogotá, Colombia, where South Africa made a national commitment to seven breakthroughs to be implemented across 52 districts.
This as globally, children continue to be exposed and remain vulnerable to violence at home, in schools and communities, in institutions, and within digital spaces through cyberbullying, online exploitation and other harmful online interactions.
As part of efforts to deepen child participation in policymaking processes, the department said the summit will utilise child-centred, inclusive and participatory approaches that enable children to freely express their views and experiences.
The Summit is beinf attended by officials and representatives from the Departments of Social Development, Basic Education, Health, Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Police Service, child protection organisations, civil society organisations, and children.
Children, including Child Ambassadors from all nine provinces, as well as participants from non-governmental organisations, religious and traditional sectors, will also participate in the Summit’s deliberations. – SAnews.gov.za
