The UNICEF country representative, Noala Skinner, has commended the government for putting in place stringent measures aimed at ending violence against children.

Speaking at the national conference on stopping violence against children that ended yesterday, Skinner said that the country has prioritised child protection, which she said, should be emulated by other states.

 "Rwanda has the best possible information and evidence to take its response to violence against children to the next level, including the Wiceceka or Speak out campaign,” she observed.

The Wiceceka campaign, which is ran by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, aims at sensitising children to speak out about any form of violence committed against them.

During the forum, Skinner discussed the global problem of violence against children and presented a video message from Marta Santos Pais, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children, who has spearheaded worldwide advocacy efforts and commended Rwanda’s efforts in the campaign to end violence against the children.

In her televised message, famous singer, activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Nana Mouskouri also hailed Rwanda for taking action against violence on children.

Rwanda has made great progress in the last decade to improve outcomes related to child survival and development.

The Violence against Children Conference, brought together over 200 child rights activists, civil society organisations, researchers, doctors, educators, government officials and development partners to learn more about the different types of violence, social norms related to violence, its impact on children and their families and positive parenting options.

Ends