First Regional Meeting of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children (VAC)

Advancing a Safer Future for Africa’s Children: Join leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to ending violence against children across the continent.

About the Regional Ministerial Meeting

The Regional Ministerial Consultation of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children brings together high-level representatives, UN agencies, civil society organizations, survivors, youth advocates, and key stakeholders committed to protecting children across Africa. This pivotal gathering aims to share progress, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate collective action toward ending violence against children across the continent.

Together, we work to promote effective policies, catalyze country-level actions, and foster peer learning to ensure every child grows up safe, supported, and free from violence.

Objectives

Uniting Key Stakeholders to End Violence Against Children

The meeting brings together high-level representatives, UN agencies, civil society organizations, survivors, youth advocates, and other key stakeholders to:

Showcasing Actions by Pathfinding Countries

Share the catalyzing and concrete actions taken and planned to be taken by the Pathfinding Countries.

Mobilizing Support to Advance Implementation

Identify the type of support required, including peer learning, to implement and/or to scale up actions.

Strengthening Stakeholder Participation in Governance

Discuss participation and engagement in the Alliance’s governance structures as per the overview.

Building Networks to Advance the EVAC Agenda

Widen and foster peer learning and multi-stakeholder engagement across Europe on the EVAC agenda.

Did you know?

Key Facts About Violence Against Children in Africa.

1 in 4 African children suffers from sexual violence before the age of 18

Many children across Africa experience sexual abuse, yet most cases go unreported due to stigma and weak protection systems.

UNICEF, Violence Against Children in Africa Study (2019)

Africa has the highest rates of child labor in the world, affecting over 72 million children.

Child labor is widespread, often linked to poverty and limited access to education.

ILO, Global Estimates of Child Labour (2021)

Over 125 million African women and girls alive today were married before turning 18

Child marriage remains prevalent across many African countries, violating rights and increasing risks of violence.

UNICEF, Ending Child Marriage Progress Report (2021)

Millions of African children are denied education because of violence, conflict, and exploitation.

Armed conflict, child labor, early marriage, and gender-based violence force many children out of school.

UNESCO, Global Education Monitoring Report (2023)