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Leah Kreitzman, Head of Campaigns and Advocacy, Unicef UK, responded to Labour’s proposal of creating a new child protection unit to work across Government.

“We must strengthen the UK’s response to child abuse and send a clear signal that such abuse will not be tolerated. This will fall on all of us – government, local authorities, community leaders and individuals. The psychological scars of abuse can last a lifetime and we all need to do what we can to keep children safe. 

“The Shadow Home Secretary’s recognition that governments and multi-lateral agencies must work together to tackle violence against children comes at a critical time ahead of the UN General Assembly later this year, when world leaders will be coming together to agree new global goals, which will also apply to the UK. 

It is vital that these goals include a robust target to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children. As well as tackling child abuse in this country, we would urge political leaders in the UK to support this global effort to end violence abuse and exploitation of children wherever they live.” 

Notes for editors:

For further information please contact the Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk