Summary

This report, which is based on the in-depth study of Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, independent expert appointed by the Secretary-General pursuant to General Assembly resolution 57/90 of 2002, provides a global picture of violence against children and proposes recommendations to prevent and respond to this issue. It provides information on the incidence of various types of violence against children within the family, schools, alternative care institutions and detention facilities, places where children work and communities. The Study is accompanied by a book which provides a more detailed account of the Study.

The Study was prepared through a participatory process which included regional, subregional and national consultations, expert thematic meetings and field visits. Many Governments also provided comprehensive responses to a questionnaire transmitted to them by the independent expert in 2004.

The independent expert is grateful for the broad support for his work provided by Governments, regional bodies and intergovernmental bodies, as well as from United Nations entities, civil society organizations and children.