The widespread failure to protect children is a global crisis, with 0.5 - 1.5 billion children experiencing violence each year (Pinheiro 2006), 150 million girls and 73 million boys who are raped or subject to sexual violence (WHO 2000), and 115 million children engaged in extremely harmful forms of work (ILO 2010). This global crisis represents a major violation of children’s rights; an unacceptable situation, which must be remedied urgently, no matter what the costs. In addition to impacting on the current well - being of children, the widespread inadequate care and protection of children is also affecting the achievement of broader development objectives relating to child survival and health, education, economic growth and equity. Many girls and boys die each year because they are abused, neglected or exploited. Vulnerable children that survive into adulthood can be at a significant disadvantage, with many experiencing developmental delays, gaps in their schooling and mental and physical health problems due to their maltreatment. The stigma, discrimination and diminished life chances faced by children who are abused, exploited and neglected exacerbates inequity. Whilst the resilience of such children can carry with it some advantage for societies, in general these boys and girls are not able to contribute to economies to their full potential. In addition to the damaging impacts on children themselves, the negative effects of child maltreatment on human capital combined with the costs associated with responding to abuse and neglect, means that inadequate care and protection also hinders economic growth.
Source: Better care network, Child fund alliance, Consortium for street children, Family for every child, Keeping child safe, Plan, Save the children, SOS Childrens villages, Terre de hommes and World vision
