At a time like this, when world leaders are setting the course for the future of global development, it is critical that we increase our focus on keeping children safe from violence and exploitation. There are children right here in Canada and around the world every day that are mistreated and their human rights are not respected. It’s time to entrench the need to keep them safe from harm, in the new Sustainable Development Goals, 2015-2030.

We celebrate this breakthrough for millions of children who still live in fear and are subject to violence and exploitation. We welcome the new agenda not only for including a target to end violence against children, but also for addressing the issue through targets on education, gender equality, employment and others. We all have a duty to listen to children and young people – who have helped shape this agenda – and who will benefit from its implementation. They must be part of the process and have a seat at the table where both their present reality and future is negotiated. ChildFund Alliance is certain of the transformative potential of collective and decisive action to end violence against and exploitation of children. Together, we can change our world.