House Passes Resolution Condemning All Forms of Violence Against Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2020

House Passes Resolution Condemning All Forms of Violence Against Children

The resolution is part of a multi-year advocacy effort led by the Ending Violence Against Children Taskforce, a group of international non-governmental organizations – including ChildFund International – who are committed to addressing physical and emotional violence around the world.

Washington, DC (March 4, 2020) – ChildFund International applauds the House of Representatives for their passage of H. Res. 230, The Ending Violence Against Children Resolution. ChildFund International also recognizes the leadership of Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) for sponsoring this measure, as well as the support of 62 additional bipartisan cosponsors.

Written with input by the Taskforce to End Violence Against Children, which includes ChildFund International, Futures Without Violence, Save the Children, UNICEF USA and World Vision, the resolution condemns all forms of violence against children and youth while encouraging the development of a strategy for preventing, addressing and ending violence against children and youth globally.

Rep. McGovern stated on the House floor, “Mr. Speaker, even though we have made great strides in identifying and addressing much of the violence that affects children and young people around the world, the sad reality is that violence against children is still pandemic. Every five minutes a child dies of violence. Half of all children, 1 billion, are victims of violence. Homicide is among the top five causes of death in adolescence. That is not just a shame, Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely unacceptable.”

Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) also rose to voice his support for the resolution: “Violence, exploitation, and abuse take many forms and disproportionately affect children in the world’s most vulnerable populations, including those in refugee settlements and conflict zones. These traumatic experiences have serious and long-lasting effects on children’s psychological, physical, and social development.”

We now turn toward the Senate and call on Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID) and Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-NJ) to take up S. Res. 112, a companion resolution. Introduced by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MN) and John Boozman (R-AR) last March, passage of S.Res. 112 would demonstrate Congressional support for leadership and coordination across the U.S. government on the issue of violence against children.

Rep. McGovern also recognized ChildFund International and the Taskforce for its efforts. “I also want to thank the broad coalition of organizations that have worked so long in support of this resolution, in particular ChildFund, Save the Children, World Vision, Futures Without Violence, and UNICEF USA.” He ended his remarks by stating, “This resolution announces to the world that we are aware, that we do care and, more importantly, we want our health and aid agencies to take action.”

ChildFund International continues to pursue legislative efforts to address all forms of violence as part of our deepening commitment to the most vulnerable children in accordance with our mission to realize a world in which every child realizes their rights and achieves their potential.