Bogota/Geneva, 7 November – More than a billion children worldwide face threats that endanger their safety, education and dignity, with violence and climate-related disasters undermining their rights and futures. At the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children, held in Bogotá on 7 – 8 November and hosted by the governments of Colombia and Sweden, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for bold, immediate action to uphold children’s rights.

“Governments, organizations, and communities must recognize the long-term consequences of failing to protect children,” said Gurvinder Singh, IFRC Senior Advisor on Child Protection. “Violence and neglect in childhood create deep societal impacts, fueling cycles of poverty, health issues, and instability. We are at a critical point: the world must commit to safeguarding children across all ages, genders, and abilities.”

Violence and climate disasters are among the most urgent threats to children. Half of the world’s children are still unable to exercise their right to live free from violence, which remains pervasive in both daily and humanitarian settings. Children are exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual violence in spaces meant to protect them, such as homes, schools, and communities.

Simultaneously, climate-related disasters — floods, heatwaves, and storms — are increasing the risk of harm, displacement, and exploitation for children. As climate emergencies escalate, so must investment in child protection, focusing on early warning, early action, and proactive measures to safeguard children before disasters strike. This is especially true for those children too often left out and left behind in their communities, such as those with disabilities.

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies bring vast experience in implementing localized programs to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. They work to ensure safe, equal, and uninterrupted access to quality, inclusive education and learning opportunities. Scaling up these evidence-based initiatives is essential to advancing child protection and achieving the goals of this Ministerial Conference.

“Protecting children from violence and disasters is a shared responsibility, and we are – and will continue to be - dedicated to working with communities, public officials and children themselves to ensure that no child grows up hopeless or in fear,” said Colombian Red Cross President, Dr. Judith Carvajal de Álvarez. “Our humanitarian network’s 16 million volunteers uniquely reinforce children’s participation, community systems and key services that uphold children’s rights and well-being".

For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected]

In Colombia – Rafael Payares +573135644837

In Panama - Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199

In Geneva – Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367

Hannah Copeland +41762369109

Notes for editors:

Examples of the Red Cross’ work on child protection in the Americas include:

• Colombia: The Red Cross is implementing a child protection project in areas affected by armed conflict (also active in Honduras) and developing mechanisms for safeguarding children in Nariño and Tumaco. Additionally, the Red Cross runs the "Action and Coexistence Program," which promotes inclusion and fosters values of tolerance, respect, and non-discrimination to prevent violence among children and adolescents.
• Honduras: The Red Cross manages a center for unaccompanied migrant children and returned migrant families, providing administrative assistance, healthcare, psychosocial support, and promoting social reintegration.
• Panama: The Red Cross develops programs such as educational brigades and "Blue Schools," which create safe environments in educational spaces, encourage environmental care, and support mental health. It also operates a child protection shelter in coordination with the government, offering healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to children aged 0 to 12.
• Mexico: The Red Cross has developed a child protection policy and program led by national youth teams to address the protection and mental health needs of children during emergencies and along migratory routes.
• Costa Rica: The Red Cross collaborates with organizations like World Vision and UNICEF on child protection and participation projects in emergencies, as well as providing medical care and nutrition support for children and adolescents in migratory contexts.
• Guatemala: In coordination with public officials, Red Cross volunteers offer health and mental health care, humanitarian assistance, and support for returned migrant children. This includes psychoeducation projects and school tutoring aimed at reducing school dropouts. Additionally, they run an awareness program on health, hygiene, and first aid, featuring cartoon characters who teach children about these topics.
• Ecuador: The Red Cross operates safe spaces for children in migratory contexts, supported by a child protection policy aligned with its national policy on protection, gender, and inclusion. It also runs early childhood projects that assist families with children aged 0 to 6, ensuring protection and family preservation.
• Trinidad and Tobago: Red Cross volunteers promote access to education and psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces.
• Cayman Islands: The Red Cross runs an educational YouTube program with animated characters, "Bobo and Teedee," which teach children about hygiene, health, safety, and family coexistence in an engaging way.