Vanuatu is strengthening its national commitment to protect children from violence following a National Preparatory Consultation held in Port Vila on September 24.

The half-day consultation at the Warwick Hotel brought together government representatives and key stakeholders to review progress in preventing and responding to violence against children, identify remaining gaps and discuss priority actions.

The consultation forms part of Vanuatu’s preparations for the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which will be held in Manila, Philippines, from November 18 to 19.

The conference is being hosted by the Government of the Philippines together with the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Vanuatu to represent Oceania

Vanuatu and the Federated States of Micronesia have been selected to represent Oceania at the global gathering.

Vanuatu will have the opportunity to share its national experience, challenges and commitments while contributing to international efforts to prevent and end violence against children.

During the Port Vila consultation, participants reviewed progress in strengthening Vanuatu’s child protection system, available evidence on violence against children and areas where further action is needed.

A key discussion focused on the question, “Who Are We Still Not Reaching?”

Participants were encouraged to consider children, communities, locations and forms of violence that may remain less visible or underserved by existing protection and response mechanisms.

From commitment to action

Vanuatu’s representative will present the country’s National Pledge at the global conference and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to turning the pledge into practical action over the next two years.

The aim is to achieve agreed national targets by 2028.

The consultation also reinforced that ending violence against children cannot be achieved by one ministry or organisation alone.

It requires coordination between government ministries, provincial authorities, police, health and education services, communities, churches, civil society, development partners, families and children themselves.

Through its preparations for the Manila conference and the development of its National Pledge, Vanuatu is working towards a stronger child protection system designed to reach and protect children wherever they live.