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UNCRC Article 34's role in protecting against sexual abuse

Learn about UNCRC Article 34 and how you can help Save the Children protect children from abuse. Get involved and help create a safer world for kids everywhere.

What does UNCRC Article 34 aim to prevent?

In a world where an innocent and safe start in life should be a given for all young people, the dark reality of sexual abuse against children remains a pressing issue. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 34 provides state parties with the obligation and framework to shield children from such atrocities. 

Save the Children Australia, with our commitment to safeguarding and supporting children everywhere, plays a pivotal role in realising these ambitions, advocating tirelessly for the protection and wellbeing of children across the globe.

What does UNCRC Article 34 aim to prevent?

At its core, UNCRC Article 34 aims to safeguard children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes not only direct physical abuse but also the exploitation of young people through prostitution, pornography, and other illegal sexual activities. In Australia, and worldwide, this article serves as a crucial framework guiding legislation and initiatives aimed at protecting our youngest and most vulnerable from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.

How does Article 34 protect against sexual abuse?

Article 34 of the UNCRC mandates that all signatory countries, including Australia, undertake all appropriate measures to prevent the exploitation and abuse of children in all its forms. This includes sexual abuse in physical spaces as well as the increasingly prevalent digital realm. The Article helps protect against this by urging states to implement laws and administrative, social and educational measures to safeguard children from sexual abuse and exploitation. 

Who is responsible for enforcing Article 34?

The enforcement of Article 34 is a collective responsibility. Governments play a primary role by incorporating the article’s directives into national law and policy. But the enforcement and realisation of these protective measures also involve communities, educators, parents, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Save the Children Australia, for example, works closely with governments and communities, providing vital support and advocacy to ensure the effective implementation of Article 34's principles.

How does Article 34 address online exploitation?

In an increasingly digital age, Article 34's relevance must extend to the online world. It calls for measures to protect children from all forms of coercion, abuse, and exploitation whether they be in-person or through other communication methods. 

Save the Children Australia recognises the growing threat of online abuse and actively works to raise awareness and implement strategies to combat digital exploitation. From empowering and educating children and young people to recognise and avoid harmful content and activities to working collaboratively with social media companies and other NGOs to strengthen online safety in nations with rapidly increasing access to technology and subsequent increases in instances of cyber abuse and exploitation. 

Can NGOs help in upholding Article 34?

NGOs are instrumental in upholding the objectives of Article 34. Their on-ground work, advocacy, and partnership with local communities and governments amplify efforts to protect children. 

Save the Children Australia's initiatives, such as Family Support and Connect and Domestic and Family Violence Refuges, are prime examples of effective NGO-led interventions that offer direct assistance to families and young people experiencing issues such as these.

The fight against child sexual abuse requires resources and commitment, donors play a vital role in the success of Article 34's objectives. Their support enables organisations like Save the Children to continue their vital work. Contributions, both big and small, fund programs that prevent abuse, provide support to survivors and advocate for stronger protections for children.

Your role in making a difference

By supporting organisations like Save the Children, you can contribute to a range of programs and initiatives aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Every donation helps to strengthen these protective networks and support the vital work being done on the ground. 

Join Save the Children Australia, your support can make a monumental difference in the lives of children. Whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteering, your involvement is a crucial step towards a world where every child is safe from harm.

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