Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect is a Child Right!

In almost all societies, the issue of child abuse and neglect (CAN) did not receive adequate attention throughout history. Furthermore, preventing CAN received even less attention. In addition, the relationship between CAN and... [ view full abstract ]

In almost all societies, the issue of child abuse and neglect (CAN) did not receive adequate attention throughout history. Furthermore, preventing CAN received even less attention. In addition, the relationship between CAN and violence against children was seldom discussed outside the confines of the United Nations before the twenty-first century. The publication of the UN Study on Violence Against Children in 2006, sent an alarming message throughout the world. The Study provided the most horrifying picture of the nature, cause, extent and scope of violence against children globally. It was found that violence against children was experienced every day in every country by girls and boys. Violence against children cut across all boundaries of culture, class, ethnic origin, income, educational level, and occurred in 5 different settings: the home, school, work, community, and care and justice systems.

Now that we have been able to identify the seriousness of violence against children and its dire consequences, there is a stronger need to prevent all, and any form of violence against children, including CAN. These discussions must start with the child at the core – the child and his/her human rights. Prevention of CAN must go through a transformational process. It should no longer be approached with the child as recipient of good services, but as an inherent right of the child.  One hundred and ninety-six countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) since its adoption in 1989. The CRC is a legally binding human rights instrument which obliges countries to comply with its provisions, for all persons under the age of 18.

This presentation will discuss the basic framework of preventing CAN as a child’s right, pursuant to the CRC. It will further provide a different approach to addressing CAN and its prevention.