More than 3200 people have been consulted

The 2015-2019 Child Protection Programme signed between the Government of Madagascar and UNICEF Madagascar has several objectives, including strengthening the child protection system through the adoption of a legislative framework respecting children’s rights as well as reducing violence against children. As part of this programme, the IBCR, in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Population, Social Protection and Promotion of Women of Madagascar, conducted a study on violence against children in order to portray the cycles of violence experienced by children in their families, schools and workplaces.

Children’s experiences, opinions and proposals as well as the actors working in the field of child protection were the central focus of this study. More than 700 young people were consulted about their experience and perception of violence in their daily lives. 2,500 adults, including community leaders, representatives of administrative authorities, justice, security, health and education personnel were also solicited in the six provinces of the country. The study should enable child protection actors to improve their understanding of the situation and therefore better prevent and respond to risk situations. This study is part of a mobilization campaign against violence to raise general awareness about the seriousness of this phenomenon.

Panel discussion, workshop and official launch 

On Tuesday June 19, under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Madagascar and in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Population, Social Protection and Promotion of Women, a panel discussion brought together decision makers, partners and actors of the child protection system to present the results and recommendations of the study in terms of prevention or institutional capacity building. One day was then devoted to various discussions on the development and integration of a national action plan to combat violence against children. An official workshop to launch the study concluded these series of meetings and started the groundwork for the future national action plan.

Significant statistics

• 89% of young people say they have been the victim of corporal punishment in their family – nearly 9 in 10
• 65% of respondents consider corporal punishment as appropriate at home
• More than half of young people say they have suffered school violence
• 29% of young people accept corporal punishment at school
• 40% of young people say they have worked before 18