Arigatou International – Prayer And Action For Children, a global NGO whose mission is “All for Children,” invited everyone to join in the second-year commemoration of the “World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence” this November 18, 2023.
One year ago, on November 7, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Resolution stating that the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places the dignity of children and their right to live free from violence as a priority on the international development agenda. It calls for ending exploitation, abuse, trafficking, torture, and all forms of violence against children, as well as eliminating all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation, which place children at risk of experiencing child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence,…. girls are at a greater risk of experiencing these violations, including both online and offline, in particular during armed conflicts….. because of the shame, stigma, and fear associated with their experiences, many victims and survivors never disclose and/or seek justice, rehabilitation, or support, and that many victims and survivors of child abuse experience lifelong consequences that affect their physical and mental health and well-being.” (U.N., par. 3, 4)
This Resolution follows the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the human rights treaty the UN General Assembly adopted unanimously on November 20, 1989. The anniversary observes the international celebration of Universal Children’s Day, which promotes international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. It’s also the date of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children.
For three decades, Arigatou International has worked to protect the well-being of children worldwide by advocating for and promoting the CRC and by creating and engaging the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC). We closely work with UNICEF and other child-focused organizations and have supported interfaith projects in more than 70 countries, aligning with more than 34,406 religious leaders and child-rights advocates. We offer tools such as Ending Violence Against Children’s Lab (EVAC-LAB) and the digital 2019 Faith and Children’s Rights: A Multi-Religious Study on the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Arigatou International applies an interfaith approach and is guided by the principles and standards of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) to safeguard children against violence and Sexual Abuse.
Arigatou International is committed to promoting the UN Resolution’s aims and commemorating this achievement annually on November 18. The World Day will continue serving as a reminder of how vulnerable children are and the important role we can play in working directly or on behalf of children to protect their rights and well-being.”