The Countdown to 2030 has started!

15/01/2016 2016 is a momentous year for the protection of children from violence: it marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Study on Violence against Children and the start of the process of implementation of the new global development agenda with its strategic target 16.2 towards the elimination of all forms of violence against children by 2030. In recent years, the protection of children from violence has evolved from a largely neglected topic into a growing global concern. Framed by international human rights standards and by the recommendations of the UN Study, there has been a growing understanding of how children are exposed to violence, and strengthened commitments to ensure their safety and protection, as well as significant efforts to mobilize wide political and social support for violence prevention and response and to help change attitudes and behaviour that condone violence against children. The post-2015 development agenda “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, shares a vision of a world of peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. The inclusion of the elimination of all forms of violence against children as a distinct priority is a landmark achievement and a clear recognition of the urgency to act and secure the protection of all children, leaving no one behind! We must transform this momentum into an inclusive and unstoppable movement! It is indeed High Time to stop violence against children! In 2016, we start the countdown to 2030 with a clear vision, a renewed commitment and full confidence in our capacity to meet its goals. These goals are within reach and the international community needs to act as one, sparing no effort and counting on each country, organisation and individual to build a world in which all children can thrive. In moving ahead, transformation, talent and time are our watchwords. Transformation, because to achieve lasting change hope must replace despair and confidence supplant distrust, and joining hands together we can amplify our capacity for action and connect those willing to achieve change. The decisive commitment and leadership of States, institutions, communities and networks of millions of adults and children who stand ready to join efforts are crucial to this ambitious transformative process. Talent must be placed at the service of our widely shared child rights values and of the society we all aspire to build. In the countdown to 2030, everybody counts and everybody is needed to overcome the destructive impact of violence and social exclusion. And time, because there can be no complacency and it is imperative to move with a deep sense of urgency. Investing in violence prevention, protecting children’s lives and futures and saving nations’ resources mean time gained in the countdown to a brighter common future. The opportunity for change is too important to let slip. We are determined to mobilise the talent and time needed to transform the world and we count on your support! Marta Santos Pais Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children