A policy call on universal parenting support jointly developed by UNICEF, WHO, and the SRSG/VAC was launched as part of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children Solutions Summit, on 30th November 2021.

The event – Universal parenting support to prevent abuse and neglect: A policy call for national governments – was co-hosted the Permanent Missions of Jamaica and Japan to the UN along with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (SRSG/VAC).

The policy call launched at the event advocates for universal access to a minimum package of evidence-based parenting programmes designed to prevent abuse and neglect. It marks the first time in the history of the United Nations a population level preventative call on abuse and neglect has been made.

Recent research has shown that evidence-based parenting programmes are a scalable and cost-effective way to support parents and caregivers and prevent abuse, neglect, and adversity in childhood.

The goal of the call is to significantly reduce neglect and abuse globally and improve mental health outcomes for children and young people especially those living in low-income countries. This is a minimum and scalable package that governments can incorporate within a comprehensive, culturally and context-specific approach to parenting. It calls on governments to scale up publicly-supported parenting programmes and promote loving, nurturing, safe and supportive caregiving across the life cycle.

In addition, an advocacy note was presented summarizing the latest evidence on parenting programmes and breaking down the core components into clear guidance for governments and delivery partners to implement as part of a comprehensive strategy.

The advocacy note can be downloaded below in English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian and Arabic.