International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

The Day of Innocent Child Victims of Aggression aims to raise public awareness of the suffering of children around the world. It is an opportunity to highlight crucial issues, such as the fight against child labor, and to stress the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence. The day also serves as a reminder of the United Nations’ commitment to defending children’s rights, particularly for those who face physical and psychological violence. Finally, it calls on the international community to act to guarantee the safety, health and well-being of children, while respecting the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

To mark World Day for Victims of Child Abuse, a number of concrete initiatives are being launched to defend children’s rights and draw attention to the violence they suffer, particularly forced labor. Supported by humanitarian organizations, institutions and local players, these initiatives take a variety of forms. Examples include:

• information campaigns to raise awareness of child exploitation and abuse,
• public presentations by professionals, young people and child advocates,
• themed meetings such as round tables or forums to propose solutions,
• cultural events (shows, exhibitions, festivals) to raise community awareness in an engaging way,
• educational workshops for children and families to raise awareness of their rights.

These initiatives aim to break the silence, mobilize society and promote concrete measures to help children exposed to violence.

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, celebrated every year on June 4, is a key initiative launched by the United Nations in 1982. It was created in response to the violence inflicted on children during the many conflicts in the Middle East. The aim of the day is to raise public awareness of the suffering endured by children, particularly in contexts of war, abuse and deprivation of rights. It is also an opportunity to remind people that the fight against child labor is a global issue that requires collective action.

Since its inception, this day has underscored the United Nations’ (UN) commitment to protecting children against all forms of exploitation and violence. In 2024, a number of awareness-raising events were organized in various countries to highlight the challenges of protecting children in conflict situations, as well as the potential role of new technologies in child exploitation. The International Day of Innocent Child Victims of Aggression is a key date for raising international awareness of the scale of the violence suffered by children, and of the urgent need to strengthen protection mechanisms on their behalf.

On the International Day of Innocent Child Victims of Abuse, numerous initiatives are being carried out around the world to raise awareness of child abuse, child labor and physical and sexual violence. Conferences, round tables and public events highlight the importance of combatingchild exploitation. Support programs are set up to provide medical care, guaranteeaccess to education and promote concrete action against abuse.

To mark this international day, La Chaîne de l’Espoir is reaffirming its commitment to protecting children exposed to violence, through concrete actions carried out in collaboration with its local partners.

So, since 2019, the association has been rolling out the “Ma Santé, Mon École : un Enjeu Collectif au Togo” program in Togolese schools, aimed at raising awareness and preventing violence in all its forms. In concrete terms, over 10,000 pupils and 300 teachers have been trained in essential values such as non-violence, equality and health.

In Nepal, in collaboration with our partner Child Protection Centers and Services (CPCS), La Chaîne de l’Espoir supports over 1,500 children every year, particularly those living on the streets or from precarious backgrounds. Thanks to a global approach, these children benefit from medical care, access to education, as well as a dedicated center before and after school, where they are offered support classes, meals and activities. The aim is to protect them from the dangers of the street, while promoting their education and personal development.

In India, we work with Taabar, a local organization specializing in child protection, to provide care and support to more than 5,000 children living in slums through two mobile clinics. Taabar also assists more than 2,000 children who are victims of abuse, forced labor or exploitation, offering them care, access to education and violence prevention programs.

These actions are part of a long-standing commitment to ensuring a more secure and equitable future for these children, by providing them with the resources and support they need to rebuild and flourish.