Minister Urges Action to End Violence Against Children

Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa Tuesday urged an end to all forms of violence against children, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on civilians, particularly children and women. Speaking at a session organized by the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) and UNICEF, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, Mustafa emphasized Jordan's commitment to safeguarding human rights and enhancing social protection systems. The session is a precursor to Jordan's participation in the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled to be held in Colombia. Mustafa underscored the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 40,000 innocent Palestinians, more than 70 percent of whom are children and women, have fallen victim to the aggression. These acts, she said, violate international human rights conventions and deeply affect global conscience. She also highlighted the critical need to invest in human capital, aligning with the modernization vision set by His Majesty King Abdullah II. The minister pointed to the high cost of violence against children, including its detrimental effects on psychological health, education and well-being. NCFA Secretary-General Mohammed Miqdadi said the preparatory session aims to align national priorities to strengthen the protection system against violence. Jordan's participation in the Global Ministerial Conference follows its 2022 membership in the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, where the NCFA was chosen for its leading role in child protection. Miqdadi emphasized the session's importance in showcasing national success stories and fostering a national dialogue to enhance commitment to combating violence against children. UNICEF Representative in Jordan, Philippe Duamelle, noted that violence, exploitation, and abuse severely harm millions of children globally, impeding their development and future prospects. He reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to working w ith Jordan and partners to strengthen systems for preventing and responding to violence against children. Source: Jordan News Agency