Protection from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, for every child

Highlights

UNICEF aims for all children to be safe from violence and neglect by strengthening child protection systems with prevention and response services. In 2023 UNICEF worked with government partners to strengthen these services for more than 2 million children in need across 4 provinces and successfully advocated for the inclusion of this model in local and national policies for vulnerable children. UNICEF also worked with government partners to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support child victims of abuse, which will standardize the operations of the 2,053 ‘one-stop’ service centres in China once approved.

To change norms and practices that favour violent discipline, UNICEF launched the second phase of a positive parenting campaign in collaboration with government partners. The campaign gives parents practical tips on building trust and empathy with their children, and it garnered 90 million impressions online and in-person. Positive parenting sessions have been offered to more than 20,000 caregivers so far.

To promote a protective legal framework, UNICEF supported consultations and provided recommendations for The Law on Building Barrier Free Environments, adopted in September 2023. The Law includes provisions on accessible infrastructure, information, and social services for children with disabilities.

To protect children online, UNICEF informed the development of an industry standard for the design and use of AI products for children, by supporting roundtables with AI practitioners and experts. The State Council approved the Regulations on Minors’ Online Protection in September, clarifying stakeholders’ accountability, establishing prevention and response mechanisms for cyberbullying and online violence, and defining ‘harmful information’. The provisions on the responsibilities of companies and child-centred design reflect inputs provided by UNICEF’s experts.