World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence: A Global Call to Action

Date: November 18

The World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence underscores the global effort to combat and eliminate all forms of sexual misconduct inflicted upon children. Every year, countless children, particularly girls, fall victim to sexual exploitation and violence, both online and offline. The risks are further exacerbated in regions experiencing armed conflict, reflecting the pervasive and complex nature of this violation across all societies and nations.

Children are especially vulnerable due to intersecting factors such as poverty, inequality, structural discrimination, and the lingering effects of crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters. The impacts of abuse and exploitation can have profound and long-term effects on a child’s physical, mental, and sexual health and development. Survivors may suffer lifelong trauma, which, for many, amounts to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Tragically, many victims do not disclose their experiences or seek justice due to feelings of shame and fear, further complicating their healing process.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prioritizes the protection of children’s dignity and their right to live free from violence. Through its goals and targets, it seeks to eradicate exploitation, abuse, trafficking, torture, and harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, all of which heighten the risk of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Addressing a Human Rights Violation

The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a grave human rights violation and a public health crisis with severe implications for global health and development. Recognizing the need to eliminate this issue, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/8 on November 7, 2022, declaring November 18 as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.

A Call for Collective Action

The United Nations calls on Member States, UN organizations, world leaders, faith groups, civil society, non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector to commemorate this day and take meaningful action. The observance seeks to raise public awareness, ensure access to quality education, and provide justice and remedies for survivors. Efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, prevent future abuse, and eliminate stigmatization are crucial in promoting healing and affirming the dignity of survivors.

Through education, dialogue, and unwavering commitment, this day serves as a reminder of the global responsibility to protect children, ensure their rights, and foster environments that prioritize their safety and healing. It is a call for a united effort to end all forms of child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence, and to support survivors on their path to recovery and justice.