1 Billion Children: Why Human Rights Day Demands We Listen to Our Future
Today marks the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and International Human Rights Day, commemorating the UN's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. As we reflect on 76 years of progress in human rights, I want to focus on our most vulnerable population: children.
The Declaration's principles laid the groundwork for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, establishing that every child has the fundamental right to grow up free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Yet the reality is staggering: globally, 1 billion children experience some form of physical, sexual, or emotional violence each year (Hills et al., 2016). Let that number sink in. 1 billion children.
Throughout my career listening to and advocating for children who have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, and exploitation, I've witnessed the devastating impact violence has on children. Beyond the immediate trauma, violence against children fundamentally alters brain development, disrupts emotional regulation, erodes self-confidence, and creates lasting health consequences that can span generations. But it doesn't stop there. Children often experience secondary victimization from the very systems that were meant to protect them. Instead of finding protection, they often encounter systems that compound their trauma through lengthy court processes, multiple placements, and inconsistent mental health support.
Here's a stark reality we must confront: In the for-profit world, we excel at consumer research because customers drive our revenue. We conduct surveys, form focus groups, and analyze feedback meticulously. Yet when it comes to children - who can't vote, have limited financial power, and often lack strong advocates - we rarely ask for or incorporate their input on the very systems that shape their lives.
We can and must do better.
One action you can take today? Whether you work in education, healthcare, non-profit service delivery, the justice system, or child welfare - ask young people how to improve your product, service, mission, or environment. Then, truly listen. Their insights will likely revolutionize how you think about your work.
Today, I challenge our network to consider:
How can we reform child protection systems to prioritize healing over bureaucracy?
What role can your organization play in supporting vulnerable children?
How can we amplify the voices of young people who have experienced these systems firsthand?
The Universal Declaration reminds us that human rights begin with protecting our children. Let's honor its legacy by building systems that truly safeguard their right to safety, dignity, and the chance to reach their full potential. Because today, while you read this post, 1 billion children are counting on us to do better. Their voices are all around us - it's time we started listening.
Reference:
Hillis, S.D., Mercy, J.A., Amobi, A., & Kress, H.C. (2016). Global Prevalence of Past-year Violence Against Children: A Systematic Review and Minimum Estimates. Pediatrics, 137.
