Hon’ble Lyonpo attends the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia

The Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skills Development, Yeezang De Thapa attended the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held on 7-8 November 2024 in Bogotá, Colombia.

The Government of Colombia organised the Conference with the support of the Government of Sweden, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children.

The Conference aimed to drive policy change, mobilise resources and demonstrate that violence prevention is possible.

On November 7, at the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference, Lyonpo met with Mr. Omar Abdi, the Deputy Executive Director for Programmes at UNICEF. Mr. Abdi oversees UNICEF’s global humanitarian and development programmes. With over 30 years of experience in international development, Mr. Abdi has held several leadership positions in UNICEF.

Lyonpo and Mr. Abdi spoke about impressions from the first day of the Conference, Bhutan’s education experience during COVID-19 and current education status in Bhutan in line with the 13th five-year plan. Bhutan’s Reports for the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the recommendations were also mentioned. Lyonpo spoke about Bhutan’s plans and activities for education and violence against children. Mr. Abdi and Lyonpo noted that UNICEF’s partnership with Bhutan is now 50 years old and prospects for continuing partnerships. Mr. Abdi applauded Bhutan’s commitment on the work progress and performance towards ending violence against children.

The sideline meeting was also attended by Mr. Stephen Blight, the Senior Advisor for Child Protection at UNICEF Headquarters.

On November 8, Lyonpo made the pledge of Bhutan on ending violence against children by the end of 13th plan (2029).

The Royal Government of Bhutan makes the following pledges in support of ending violence against children:

1. We commit to strengthening and expanding the child protection system by addressing sexual abuse, exploitation and online safety through legislative reviews, a multi-sectoral approach and evidence-based interventions in the implementation of child protection frameworks.

2. We pledge to improve access to justice for child victims and witnesses ensuring child-friendly procedures and safeguarding their rights through key stakeholder collaboration.

3. We commit to enhancing mental health and social support services nationwide ensuring all children have access to protection, rehabilitation and child-sensitive reintegration services. This will include targeted programs across Dzongkhags and Thromdes to create safe environments, promote wellbeing and encourage positive parental practices.

4. We will scale up programs that promote wellbeing and prevent violence in schools nationwide including anti-bullying initiatives and positive parenting practices to promote child safety and wellbeing.

5. We pledge to strengthen reintegration services and aftercare programs for children affected by violence ensuring they can return to safe and supportive families and communities with necessary follow-up support.

For further details on the conference, please visit-https://endviolenceagainstchildrenconference.org