SEATTLE, Washington — The Ending Violence Against Children resolution was first introduced in March 2019 with the goal of cooperating with other nations to eliminate sexual, physical and mental violence against children, in addition to other forms of violence. The resolution has seen success in the House of Representatives and awaits passage in the Senate. The ultimate goal of the Ending Violence Against Children resolution is to implement strategies to eliminate violence against children across the globe while simultaneously condemning it.
Ending Violence Against Children Resolution: Quick Facts to Know
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Who introduced the resolution? The Ending Violence Against Children Resolution was introduced in the House by Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Representative Ted Poe (R-TX). The two created the resolution out of concern for children and the violence inflicted upon them. Both Senators wanted to come up with effective solutions for violence against children in other countries with the goal of eventually creating dialogue and cooperation with other countries.
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What is the goal of the resolution? The goal of the Ending Violence Against Children resolution has three parts. The first is the active condemnation of every form of violence against children in different countries, which includes maltreatment and neglect. The second part of the resolution involves recognizing the global impact of children enduring violent circumstances. The final part of the resolution involves developing strategies to eliminate violence and to enact universal policies to monitor the progress that countries are making.
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Why is it important? The resolution is important because of the consequences and economic effects of violence. For one, the World Health Organization states that more than a billion children worldwide are exposed to various forms of violence, including physical, sexual and mental violence. Furthermore, the global economic impact of this violence is approximately $7 billion or about 8% of the global GDP.
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Has it passed through Congress? The resolution passed through the House of Representatives in March 2020. In the Senate, it is sponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Cardin (D-MD). The resolution now needs to be voted on in the Senate before going to the President to be signed into law.
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What else is there to know? The Ending Violence Against Children resolution gives more meaning to the Global Child Thrive Act of 2019 because of the progress of the resolution through Congress. Both pieces of legislation aim to provide a better quality of life to children around the world through partnering with specific countries.
Protecting Children Globally
As said by Rep. Ted Poe, “Violence against children is not just a domestic problem, but an international issue. This legislation gives our promise to the international community and is a win for children and youth across the globe.” The Ending Violence Against Children Resolution is an essential piece of legislation that aims to eliminate violence against children all over the world. Besides correcting the financial burden of the violence, this resolution will limit, if not prevent, overall poverty in affected countries. If passed, the resolution will give vulnerable children the best start possible while working to ensure their safety and protection.
– Alondra Belford
Photo: Flickr