UNICEF appreciates the response of the Iraqi authorities to the abused child

Baghdad - INA 

UNICEF valued, today, Friday, the Iraqi authorities' response to the abused child, while calling for strengthening mechanisms to follow up on the perpetrators of these crimes and bring them to justice.

A UNICEF statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that it "expresses its deep concern about the video clip that was recently circulated on social media in Iraq, in which a child is being abused by a member of his family. This video clip is nothing but a horrific reminder." to the dilemma of violence against children that must end.

The statement added, "UNICEF commends the prompt response of the authorities in this case, and also encourages all those who witness such cases to report them through the hotline 497 facilitated by the community police."

The statement continued, "Nothing justifies violence against a young child, and this phenomenon can be prevented and eliminated.

 However, according to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS6) for 2018, 4 out of 5 children in Iraq are still subjected to violence at home or in school. UNICEF condemns all acts of violence against children, and calls on the community to protect them from such behaviour."

He pointed out that "UNICEF calls on government authorities to strengthen mechanisms to pursue perpetrators of these crimes and bring them to justice, and to protect the lives of children. Children in Iraq need a safe environment free from violence, and enabling them to fully develop their capabilities and capabilities."

"In order to guarantee children's right to privacy and dignity, UNICEF calls on everyone in society to protect children by preventing the distribution of online material in which they are subjected to violence, bullying, slander and defamation. This content should only be shared on scope of the competent authorities in order to support the legal prosecution of crimes committed against children.

UNICEF will continue to support the Federal and Kurdistan Regional Governments with a shared vision that by 2024, children, adolescents and women, especially the most vulnerable among them, will be safe and protected from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, in line with national law and policy framework. and international standards.