EU and Sri Lanka host International Conference to combat violence against children

Colombo, July 25 (Daily Mirror) - In a significant step toward strengthening child protection systems in Sri Lanka, the International Conference on Child Protection (ICCP’25) was inaugurated today in Colombo. The three-day event, which runs until July 27, brings together more than 250 participants, including government officials, child protection experts, academics, and international stakeholders, to address the urgent need to end violence against children.

Hosted by the Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and supported by the European Union (EU) through UNICEF Sri Lanka, the conference is a key initiative aligned with Sri Lanka’s National Policy on Child Protection. It also marks a milestone in fulfilling commitments made at the 2024 Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children.

The urgency of the initiative is underscored by the latest data from NCPA, which recorded over 10,000 complaints related to child abuse in 2024, with more than 8% involving sexual abuse. ICCP’25 aims to drive evidence-based solutions and promote reforms in policy, legislation, and institutional frameworks to tackle these critical challenges.

Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, addressing the opening session, stated, “This is not just a conference. This is an important contribution to the national discourse on ways to protect our children. This is a platform to act, not just reflect.”

Minister of Justice Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, a guest of honor, emphasized that child protection is fundamentally a justice issue. “We are committed to reforming systems to focus on the best interests of children and ensure that every victim has access to child-friendly justice,” he said.

Reaffirming international support, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Carmen Moreno stressed the EU’s commitment to child-centered justice reforms. “Justice for children must be guided by principles of proportionality, including age- and gender-appropriate treatment. The aspiration must not be retribution, but reintegration, with dignity and care,” she noted.

UNICEF Sri Lanka Acting Representative, Begoña Arellano, highlighted the importance of data and academic input in building a robust child protection system. “With strong evidence, effective leadership, coordination, and investment, Sri Lanka can establish a protection system that benefits every child,” she said.

Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, echoed this view, calling for active academic engagement in shaping policy. “Universities must not only study child protection, but they must also shape it. ICCP’25 is where that transformation begins,” she said.

Delivering a message via video, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, emphasized the need for survivor-centered services and inclusive support systems.

NCPA Chairperson, Former High Court Judge Ms. Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe, concluded by underscoring prevention as equally vital as justice. “It is only through a united and informed society that we can ensure a protective future for every child,” she said.