Religious Leaders Training Sessions to End Violence Against Children

Sponsor Organization: UNICEF, Save the Children, ISC

On 7 November, UNICEF supported a National Consultation led by the Ministry of Cult and Religion, which engaged religious leaders to support contributions to prevent and respond to violence against children with an emphasis on the most vulnerable children.

Based on the findings of the National Violence against Children Survey, activities for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children will focus on ending violence against children, with an emphasis on physical and emotional violence and abuse at home. Activities are being jointly developed by the Ministry of Cult and Religion, UNICEF and civil society, including Save the Children and the NGO Investing in Children and their Societies. On 26 November, there will be a ‘training of the trainers’ session and on 28-29 November, a training for 120 religious leaders from 24 provinces. In both cases, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and - for the first time – minority religious leaders, will participate. The training will aim to:

1. Create a common understanding on the definition of violence against children
2. Promote an awareness of how religious leaders can contribute to preventing and responding to violence against children
3. Develop an action plan for the implementation of the Day of Prayer and Action for Children in the individual provinces of religious leaders; and finally,
4. Devise messages to use in Pagodas, Mosques, Churches and other houses of worship. 

keywords: interfaith, non- violent discipline, religious leaders education, religious leaders training, interfaith dialogue, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, minority religions, child protection initiatives