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Participants of the event discussed the role of faith actors in promoting accountability, influencing policy, and shifting cultural norms to protect children, as well as lessons learned from case studies, and collaborations between governments, faith-based organizations, and religious communities.
Peter Prove, director of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches, contributed to the discussion on successful experiences bringing together churches to address violence against children in all its forms. Exploring the role of religious communities in addressing structural violence, participants learned also about the work of WCC in addressing issues of climate change as a common churches’ commitment towards children.
“This historic first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children provides a unique opportunity for sharing experiences and perspectives on the many different dimensions and intersections in our work with and for children”, said Prove.
The side event focused on the pivotal role that faith actors play in promoting social accountability to end violence against children. It explored the unique influence and reach of faith-based organizations and religious leaders in mobilizing communities, advocating for policy changes, influencing cultural and social norms, and providing support services to children and families.
According to Prove, “the structural violence against children that inaction to prevent climate catastrophe represents is an aspect that WCC is underlining, as well as the close nexus between our peacebuilding work and the protection of children from violence, including the situation of children recruited by armed groups.”
The event fostered dialogue on how best faith actors can play a more active role towards ending violence against children, developing collaborative strategies with governments, civil society organizations, children, and youth to advance children’s rights and wellbeing considering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The discussion was organized by Arigatou International, in collaboration with the Office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, World Vision, and World Council of Churches.
