Photo: SAARC

DHAKA, June 23, 2025 (BSS) – The member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) today vowed to strengthening regional cooperation in line with the regional forum’s “Social Charter” to curb violence against children. 

This was observed at the first Online Ministerial Information Sharing Meeting “Elevating the Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) Agenda in South Asia” organized by the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, said a press release here.    

The meeting was held in collaboration with UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) and Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. 

In a statement, SAARC Secretary General Md Golam Sarwar reaffirmed the shared commitment of all the member states to ending all forms of violence against children. 

He highlighted the need to strengthen coordination among institutions, civil society, and development partners to ensure a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to child protection.

With millions of children worldwide affected by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse each year, the time for urgent, coordinated action is required, said the press release.  

It said the SAARC, mandated by the SAARC Social Charter, is dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation among its Member States. 

The Conventions on Regional Arrangements for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia and Convention Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution are important regional instruments agreed by Member States, said the SARC Secretariat.  

The Meeting was attended by officials and representatives of member states while opening remarks were delivered by Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children Dr. Najat Maalla.