The audience at the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Lecture was treated to a memorable and inspiring lecture by Marta Santos Pais, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations on Violence against Children. The lecture was video-recorded and is available below.
In her statement, the Special Representative recalls the vision and legacy of Janusz Korczak. His call to place children first and above legal, political, social and economic differences was forever captured in the ground-breaking provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted almost 30 years ago. Since then, children’s rights have moved from the periphery of the debate to the heart of the international and national policy agenda.
With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, the global goals have given new impetus to our actions with the historic recognition of violence against children as a priority target and cross-cutting concern.
In line with the vision of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, she highlights how the achievement of sustainable development for all must start by placing children first, starting with investment in the early years and ensuring all children grow up in a safe, loving environment. By investing in children, we create the conditions for every child to grow up free from want, from fear and from violence. In turn, by safeguardingchildren’s safety and protection, we enhance the chances to reach all of the sustainable goals and targets.
While tangible progress has been achieved in terms of data, legislation, policy and program developments, this is in striking contrast to the daily reality of millions of children around the world, particularly the most vulnerable and already marginalized. Available figures remain astounding and the voice of children continues to remind us of the need to act now, across all sectorsof society. We must spare no effort to translate the provisions of the Convention into a reality for all children, everywhere and at all times.
Next year is a significant opportunity to stand up for the worlds 1 billion children who are affected by violence each year. 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the CRC. Also in 2019, the High Level Political Forum in July will review Goal 16 and the UN General Assembly will host its first overall review of the implementation of the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including target 16.2 on ending all forms of violence against children. This is a unique milestone that the international community cannot afford to miss.
Marta Santos Pais was first appointed to her position as the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children in 2009. As a high level global independent advocate, Marta Santos Pais promotes the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children in the justice setting, in the home, in institutional care, in schools, in the workplace and in the community. She acts as a bridge builder in all regions, and across sectors and settings where violence against children may occur.
Since her appointment, she has been strongly committed to mobilizing action and political support to maintain momentum around this agenda and to achieve steady progress across the world. Marta Santos Pais has more than 30 years experience on human rights issues, engagement in United Nations and intergovernmental processes.
During the event, Marta Santos Pais was awarded the Janusz Korczak Statuette Award in recognition of Caring for Children in the Spirit of Dr. Korczak.
During the evening, The Janusz Korczak Scholarship Certificate was presented to the 2018 candidate: Ms. Ann Montague.
