On October 19th 2007, children from the southern Africa region are gathering in Lusaka, Zambia to call on governments to put an end to the daily violence against them.

The regional exhibition and call for action will take place at the Cresta Golfview Hotel, Lusaka Zambia from 9:30- 1pm.  This event is part of a variety of activities taking place around the world on Save the Children's Day of Action. 

The UN study on Violence against Children was launched in 2006. It confirmed that violence is a huge problem with devastating effects on millions of children all over the world. One in four children worldwide is suffering physical, sexual or psychological abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Now is the time to hold our Governments to account for living up to the promises they made at the UN last year. This year Governments worldwide are again gathering at the UN to decide what new action they will commit to and how they will follow up the recommendations already agreed upon.

The children gathering in Lusaka have invited adults in positions of power to listen to their recommendations and are demanding that the Governments do more to end violence against them.

The children of Zambia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana are uniting with children worldwide to call upon their governments to

• - make ending violence against children a top priority
• - ban all forms of violence against children in all settings
• - create an effective national child protection system
• - support the appointment of a Special Representative to the Secretary General to drive this crucial issue forward

"We as children should be taught good morals.  Our parents should show us the right way rather than just hitting us. If adults are listening to me now- children are the future generation.   We have the right to be protected and not abused and violated.  Please help us, we need your support.  We need you to care for us." Tumisang, 12 year old girl from Botswana.

If you want more information about the event or if you are interested in interviewing the children or organisers, please contact either Shani Winterstein, shaniw@saf.savethechildren.se, tel: +27 82 887 5081 or Sophie Mosko, sophiem@ecaf.savethechildren.se, tel: +26 0977930508.  

For more information on the Global Day of Action visit www.rb.se/eng.

 

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