Globally, an estimated 1 billion children experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence each year (WHO, 2020). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) remains the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, yet implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, systemic challenges like poverty, conflict, and weak child protection systems continue to put millions of children at risk. Countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria have made progress through national child protection policies and social protection frameworks, but enforcement gaps persist—especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.

In South Africa, a comprehensive legal framework including the Children’s Act (2005) has advanced child rights protection, yet child abuse, neglect, and sexual violence remain alarmingly high, particularly in informal settlements.

In Europe, robust child welfare systems exist, but disparities remain between Western and Eastern regions. Refugee and migrant children are particularly vulnerable, facing systemic barriers to education, health, and psychosocial support.

In the MENA region, protracted conflicts and displacement have heightened vulnerabilities. Countries like Jordan and Lebanon have adopted national child protection frameworks in collaboration with humanitarian agencies, but many children still face exploitation, early marriage, and recruitment into armed groups.