New ‘Learn Without Fear’ campaign announced at UN

Deepali Khanna speaks out against child violence at the UN General Assembly in New York

14 December 2007: Plan has announced its new global campaign at a special session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

‘Learn Without Fear’, our campaign to stop violence in schools, was presented to a packed assembly during the "World Fit For Children plus 5" meeting.

Deepali Khanna, Plan’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, told representatives of governments from around the world:

“Too many countries have failed to introduce even the most basic laws to protect children from violence in school and at home.

“Even in countries that have introduced legislation, those laws are too often not enforced. There are no more excuses for failing to protect children from violence. Enough is enough, children have the right to Learn Without Fear.”

Targeting violence

The new campaign will be formally launched next year and will target all forms of violence against children in school. Throughout the world millions of children are being physically and emotionally abused, often by those who are charged with their care and duty bound to protect them.

117 countries and dependent territories still allow children to be beaten at school.

Recent studies have laid bare the shocking reality of physical and emotional abuse endured by children. Cruel and humiliating forms of psychological punishment, gender-based violence and bullying remain a daily reality for millions of children.

Preventing abuse

Children in Togo performing a role play on corporal punishment

Preventing the sexual abuse of pupils, corporal punishment and bullying will be key aims of the campaign. In a worldwide consultation with Plan community representatives, these 3 issues emerged as the most widespread and damaging forms of violence suffered by children in school.

Mrs Khanna was addressing the UN ‘World Fit For Children Plus 5’ conference as the representative of the non-governmental organisation community.

She warned that the international community is guilty of a catalogue of failures over promises to children. Urgent action is needed to promote child rights, improve the quality of health and education services and reach out to marginalised groups and those living in rural areas, she said.

 Read more about Plan’s new global campaign, 'Learn Without Fear'.