Back in 2001 the UN General Assembly requested the Secretary General to conduct an in-depth study on violence against children (UNSVAC).

The Study is intended to lead to the development of strategies aimed at effectively preventing and combating all forms of violence against children, outlining steps to be taken at the international level and by State Parties.

An Independent Expert, Professor Paulo Pinheiro was appointed in 2002 to write the UN Study Report, with support from an Editorial Board and individual chapter writers.

The final report was presented to the third committee of the UN General Assembly.

Save the Children has given priority to the UNSVAC because:

• Children all over the world have identified violence as a key priority to be addressed.
• Save the Children believes that the UNSVAC is a unique opportunity to challenge and change attitudes.
• The UNSVAC also promotes further collaboration between non-governmental organisations, international non-governmental organisations, UN agencies, academia and institutions to take actions against violence.
• Save the Children has practical experiences preventing and addressing violence against children.
• Save the Children has knowledge for promoting and ensuring children’s ethical and meaningful participation.