UNICEF, National Council for Family Affairs discuss action plan on violence against children

AMMAN — Two weeks into a nationwide social media campaign titled “Allem La Tallem” on violence against children that has received over 2 million impressions and reached over 600,000 people, the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) and UNICEF has convened a meeting with senior government officials and partners to discuss a nationwide multi-year action plan (2018-2020) to end all forms of violence against children in Jordan, according to a statement from the UN agency on Tuesday.

The meeting attended by the Minister of Health Mahmoud Sheyyab, kicks off a three-day strategic planning workshop with key partners in the government and the civil society. 

Addressing the meeting, Fadel Hmoud, NCFA secretary general, stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in having one comprehensive national action plan that complements efforts of various sectors and aims at reinforcing positive behaviours in society, responding to violence against children, according to the statement.

The action plan, he noted, will be comprehensive and based on “our religious and cultural legacy” and norms, in line with the council’s role in developing plans and policies related to families and in response to directives of Her Majesty Queen Rania, Chair of the Council’s board of trustees, according to the statement. 

“Only through a collective effort by the government, NGOs, private sector, communities and individuals can protect all children in Jordan against violence,” Hmoud was quoted in the statement as saying.

“The council, supported by UNICEF and partners is also working on drafting a national childhood law that will provide a stronger legal framework to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of all children in a safe environment free from violence,” he added.

The action plan aims at mobilising multi-sectoral partners and communities in promoting and influencing positive behaviours and practices towards ending violence against children in all settings: inside homes, at work places and education institutions. The strategy targets all forms of violence including physical, verbal, emotional and sexual violence. 

UNICEF Jordan Representative Robert Jenkins thanked the Government of Jordan for its “continued commitment” to improving the life and well-being of all children in the Kingdom”. 

“This meeting with top government officials and partners underscores this commitment,” the statement quoted Jenkins as saying.  “Creating a protective environment for children requires the involvement of everyone in the country. UNICEF is committed to doing everything possible, in partnership with the government, civil society and communities, inreducing incidences of violence against children in Jordan,” he added.

UNICEF’s programme aimed at ending violence against children in Jordan is supported by the governments of Canada, Germany, UK and the US, concluded the statement.