Nearly 1 Billion Children Experience Violence Every Year Worldwide — WHO

The WHO regional office has reported that one child dies as a result of violence every five minutes.

Nearly 1 billion children worldwide experience violence every year, and one child dies as a result every five minutes. This was reported by TASS, citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to the WHO, children are subjected to physical, sexual and psychological violence. Such experiences can cause long-term harm to their physical and mental health.

“Every five minutes, a child loses their life as a result of violence. These deaths, as well as the long-term harm caused by all forms of violence against children, are preventable,” the regional office emphasized.

The office highlighted Pakistan’s National Strategy to End Violence Against Children for 2026–2031. The strategy aims to protect the country’s 120 million children and strengthen preventive measures.

According to the report, nearly 80% of children in Pakistan are exposed to violent disciplinary practices. Among internet users aged 12–17, one in every 16 adolescents experiences exploitation or abuse through digital technologies. In addition, 8.6 million children are engaged in child labour, while more than 57% of children under the age of five are not registered with civil registration authorities. This may make it more difficult to protect them from violence and limit their access to essential services.

The national strategy aims to strengthen prevention, protection, recovery, reintegration into society and access to justice for every child, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

“Pakistan can rely on WHO’s support in fulfilling its commitments to ending all forms of violence against children,” said Luo Dapeng, the WHO representative in Pakistan.

How Are Children Affected by Violence Protected in Uzbekistan?

In Uzbekistan, cases of violence against children or the risk of such violence can be reported to Inson Social Services Centres, internal affairs bodies and other authorized agencies. Children and their legal representatives also have the right to seek assistance.

Once a case is identified, an Inson centre works with internal affairs bodies to assess the child’s circumstances and determine whether their life or health is at risk. Measures to protect the child and provide the necessary assistance are then determined according to the level of risk. These may include medical, psychological, legal and social support, as well as placement in a safe location when necessary, as provided for by law.

A protection order may also be issued for a child who has experienced violence or is at risk of violence. Internal affairs bodies issue the order based on the results of a risk assessment. The protection order must be issued within 24 hours and remains valid for up to 30 days, according to the official legal guidance.

Uzbekistan’s legislation addresses not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological abuse, neglect, exploitation and bullying. This means that child protection measures are intended to be taken not only after physical harm has occurred, but also when there is a risk of violence, as outlined in the relevant legislation.

Uzbekistan Strengthens Penalties for Violence Against Children

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law strengthening penalties for violence against children.

The law introduces amendments to five codes and six other laws. It provides for life imprisonment for sexual violence against children under the age of 14. The statute of limitations will not apply to serious crimes covered by the legislation.