Children from West Africa joined a Youth Forum on Violence Against Children in Ghana

A "Regional Youth Forum Against Violence" was held between 31 August and 3 September in Accra, Ghana. The forum coordinated by Plan and partners (Save the Children, UNICEF, Action Aid, World Vision and War Child) was organised to discuss how violence impacts the lives of children and how it can be stopped.

The event, which was attended by more than 80 children from West Africa and the world, gave young participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and solutions. "We children suffer mistreatment and are often afraid to speak out. At this forum, I can learn what children in other countries are doing to combat violence. I can use what I learn to better organise my friends in Benin ", said Thalès, a 17 year old forum participant.

Maria Santos Pais at the Forum

The four-day conference was addressed by Marta Santos Pais, United Nations Secretary General's Special Representative on Violence against Children. “Children witness violence and endure physical, emotional and sexual abuse every day. Children fear reporting, worried they will not be believed or that they may suffer reprisals or stigmatisation. They also do not know where to go or whom to call to benefit from counselling and support and to see the incidents of violence effectively addressed and impunity combated", Marta Santos Pais said at the forum. 

Violence against children occurs in schools, communities and homes. From 24 West and Central African countries, only 11 have adequate legal provisions against violence, sexual abuse or exploitation at school according to a 2008 study. One of Marta Santos Pais’ priorities in the next two years will be to help to ensure that legislation prohibiting all forms of violence against children is passed in more countries. So far, only 29 countries have passed such laws, with Tunisia and Kenya the only African countries to do so.

 Over the four days the children developed a statement for Marta Santo Pais highlighting the various forms of violence they suffer and calling on her to ensure that governments pass laws to stop violence against children in schools.

 Read the children's newsletter produced during the forum