United Nations Radio

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF says violence and exploitation remain a harsh reality in the lives of many children around the world.

UNICEF says children in such circumstances are experiencing fundamental infringements of their human rights, and suffering physical and psychological harm that has wide-reaching and sometimes irreparable effects. Patrick Maigua reports from Geneva:

In a new report highlighting issues of child protection, UNICEF estimates that more than 150 million children between five and 14 years of age are engaged in child labour, often under harmful conditions. The report says millions of children face violence or abuse at home, in schools, or while in detention, often from the adult entrusted with their care. The report also highlights the plight of millions of boys and girls around the world who are trafficked, are without parental care, or lack documentation they need to attend school and access basic health care. The report notes that although the campaign against female genital mutilation was far from over, the practice was on the decline in at least 29 countries where practice is common. Susan Bissel, is UNICEF's Head of Child Protection Unit:

 "There are many countries around the world where the age of marriage is extremely low. And we know that child marriage is actually a violation of the rights of children, and the younger the girl is when she is married and possibly then becomes get pregnant, the greater the health risk for her and her baby. We know that girls who give birth before the age of 15 are five times more likely to die in childbirth than women in their 20s. Child labour is a cause and a consequence of poverty and it perpetuates poverty by compromising a child's education. We estimate that 150 million children between the age of 5 and 14 are engaged in child labour worldwide."

UNICEF executive director Anne Veneman says understanding the extent of abuses of children's rights was a first step to building an environment where children are protected and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. She says a society cannot thrive if its youngest members are forced into early marriage, abused as sex workers or denied their basic rights. Patrick Maigua UN Radio, Geneva.

Duration: 1'54"