The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (OSRSG-VAC)
(0)
About Us
The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (OSRSG-VAC) is a dedicated global advocate focused on preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against children. It was established in February 2008 by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution, building on recommendations from the 2006 UN Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Children. The office’s mandate is firmly rooted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights agreements.
Core Responsibilities and Activities:
Global Advocacy: The Special Representative acts as an independent, high-level voice, raising awareness and mobilizing political commitment and action across all regions and sectors to end violence against children.
Facilitation and Collaboration: The Office serves as a connector, fostering cooperation among diverse stakeholders. These include United Nations agencies, regional organizations, national institutions, civil society groups, and also children and young people themselves. Its goal is to accelerate progress and encourage positive behavioral and societal shifts.
Promoting Legal Frameworks: The OSRSG-VAC champions the widespread adoption and effective implementation of international conventions and human rights standards related to child protection.
Key Areas of Focus: The Office’s work is guided by specific priorities:
Policy Development: It encourages states to create and implement comprehensive national strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children, ensuring these are integrated into national planning.
Legislation: It advocates for clear legal prohibitions on all forms of violence against children in every setting.
Data Collection: It promotes national systems for gathering, analyzing, and sharing data, along with a robust research agenda on violence against children.
Achieving SDG Target 16.2: It actively supports efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal target 16.2, which aims to eradicate all forms of violence against children.
Reporting and Thematic Studies: The Special Representative submits annual reports to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. Additionally, the office publishes specialized reports on critical issues such as children deprived of liberty, children who are migrating, online violence, and the effects of climate crises on children’s safety.
Field Missions and Best Practices: The Office conducts missions to various countries to assess situations, identify effective approaches, and share experiences across different contexts.
The OSRSG-VAC plays a crucial role in maintaining violence against children as a prominent issue on the international agenda. It fosters a coordinated global response and works towards a future where every child can grow up free from fear and harm. The office operates from New York and relies on voluntary contributions for its funding.
