News
Around 150 violence prevention policy-makers, practitioners and advocates gathered in late June in Kampala, Uganda to define ways to accelerate the effective use of the tool INSPIRE, one of the critical resources to supporting the fight for ending violence against children.
Globally, up to one billion children have suffered from physical, sexual or psychological violence or neglect in the past year. The World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with many other partners, developed INSPIRE: seven strategies for ending violence against children. The package of seven evidence-based strategies builds on growing evidence that violence against children is preventable, and on a growing public consensus that it will no longer be tolerated.
The event in Kampala, named the INSPIRE jamboree, is a first step to promote practical ways to use the package. "The INSPIRE jamboree is a great learning opportunity fitting well into the Churches’ Commitments to Children especially commitment 1B - contribute to ending violence against children in society at large", explained Masimba Kuchera from Zimbabwe. "The focus on Africa is very poignant, considering the various forms of violence against children, due to reasons such as conflict, negative cultural beliefs and practices, poverty and the use of child labor”.
"INSPIRE is a highly recommended tool for churches", said Frederique Seidel, WCC Senior Advisor on children's rights. "Collaborating with partners around the INSPIRE strategy is an excellent way for churches to ensure long-term results around their efforts for children. We already see many new partners helping us to "moving mountains" through our faith and make the world a better place for children”.
As a member of the INSPIRE Operational and Advisory Support Group, the WCC is involved in developing the next steps with member churches.
INSPIRE: Seven strategies for Ending Violence Against Children
Resources and tools available for the implementation of Churches’ Commitments to Children
