Colombo: Marking a critical push to combat all forms of violence against children in Sri Lanka, the International Conference on Child Protection (ICCP’25) was inaugurated today and will run until July 27. The conference brings together over 250 participants, including government leaders, leading government institutions, international and local experts, researchers, and child protection practitioners, to forge stronger protection systems for children.

According to European Union, over 10,000 child abuse and related complaints were reported in 2024, with over 8% involving some form of sexual abuse. Recognizing the urgent need for evidence-informed solutions, ICCP’25 brings together policymakers, academics, and practitioners with the aim of supporting Sri Lanka’s renewed commitments in addressing violence against children. Therefore, the conference is fully aligned with the national policy on child protection and represents a milestone in implementing the international pledges made at the 2024 Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children.

“With strong evidence, effective leadership, coordination, and investment, Sri Lanka can establish a protection system that benefits every child. Academia plays a crucial role in informing policy to address violence against children,” said UNICEF Sri Lanka Acting Representative, Begoña Arellano.

Highlighting the critical role of the academic sector in translating data into action, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, said, “Universities must not only study child protection, but they must also shape it. ICCP’25 is where that transformation begins.”

In a video message, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) on Violence Against Children Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid stressed the need to provide a continuum of survivor-centered services, leaving no one behind.

The Chairperson of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Former High Court Judge, Ms. Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe, highlighted that preventing children from being subjected to abuse is equally important as delivering justice to those who have already been victimized. “It is only through a united and informed society that we can ensure a protective future for every child,” she added.