CyberDodo takes on child abuse (2-16)

Violence against children is not inevitable 2/2

Institutional contexts

For numerous reasons, millions of children find themselves separated from their families and placed in institutions (To learn more about this subject, see the episode on the rights of the child under the jurisdiction of the State ). In this context, they may be the victim of different forms of maltreatment, inadequate medical treatment, abusive disciplinary sanctions, or imprisonment with adults, etc.

Places of work

Millions of children work both legally and illegally (see the episode on dangerous work ) - the main reason for which is the scourge of poverty. With the intent to escape from precarious living conditions, these children are exposed to multiple types of violence, committed by their employees, their colleagues or others exercising either a direct or indirect authority over them.

Once again, the violence can be of all kinds.

The community

When children, like all persons, come together to form groups on the basis of affinity, one would seem to have the basis for solidarity. However, the community is also an entity which can expose some of its members to all forms of violence.

What should we do to fight against the mistreatment of children ?

The answer depends on the level of engagement ; States should :

Ensure complete respect for the Convention and the knowledge thereof by children
Declare all forms of violence against children illegal
Protect children from violence in institutional contexts
Ban corporal punishments
Ban child soldiers
Prosecute those responsible for such violences
Ensure a health care system and social protections for all
Train medical, social and educational personnel to identify and report violence that has been inflicted upon children

Adults should :
Respect the physical and moral integrity of children
Know how to recognize the signs of abuse
Report observed signs of abuse to the appropriate authorities
Contribute to children's knowledge of the Convention

Children should :
Know that it is never normal to be subject to violence
Never be quiet if they have been the victim of abuse
Not protect the person who inflicted abuse upon them
Ask for help
Know their Rights
Respect their mates

In conclusion :

Maltreatments are inflicted upon hundreds of millions of children and yet, they are not inevitable. There is an international convention which protects children against all forms of violence it is the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Indeed, it is precisely CyberDodo's ambition to make this basic test known to those it sets out to protect children. The aim is that Children will be able to demand the full protection of each and every one of their rights.

When all children can rest assured that they will never be threatened, beaten, strangled, shook, slapped, hit, burned, raped, terrorised, extorted, starved, uprooted, etc etc. by anyone- then, and only then, will this world truly be a changed place.

Sergio Vieira de Mello, High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, reminded us that « children are the adults of tomorrow » - so indeed, let's stop killing our prospects for tomorrow by destroying the present reality of our youngest citizens

To see the cartoon on child abuse, click here

To see the quiz, click here

© CyberDodo Productions