Kathmandu: The member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) today vowed to strengthen regional cooperation in line with the regional forum’s ‘Social Charter’ to curb violence against children. This commitment was highlighted during the first Online Ministerial Information Sharing Meeting ‘Elevating the Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) Agenda in South Asia,’ organized by the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was held in collaboration with UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) and Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. In a statement, SAARC Secretary General Md Golam Sarwar reaffirmed the shared commitment of all the member states to ending all forms of violence against children.
He emphasized the need to strengthen coordination among institutions, civil society, and development partners to ensure a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to child protection. With millions of children worldwide affected by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse each year, he stressed the urgency for coordinated action.
The press release mentioned that SAARC, mandated by the SAARC Social Charter, is dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation among its Member States. The Conventions on Regional Arrangements for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia and the Convention Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution are important regional instruments agreed upon by Member States, as noted by the SAARC Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by officials and representatives of member states, with opening remarks delivered by Dr. Najat Maalla, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.