Engaging the religious community in prevention of child abuse

In Sri Lanka, as part of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, UNICEF and Sarvodaya Movement brought together over 200 religious leaders from all over the country for a an inter-religious conference dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Topics addressed included: actions to prevent child abuse, the social transformations required, the spiritual guidance available and the role and responsibility of religious communities. An interfaith declaration of commitment on prevention of child abuse was read out and signed and each faith group led a moment of spirituality/prayer to invoke blessings and release spiritual energy towards the prevention of child abuse.