Millions of children are on the move across international borders – fleeing violence and conflict, disaster or poverty, in pursuit of a better life. Hundreds of thousands move on their own. When they encounter few opportunities to move legally, children resort to dangerous routes and engage smugglers to help them cross borders. Serious gaps in the laws, policies and services meant to protect children on the move further leave them bereft of protection and care. Deprived, unprotected, and often alone, children on the move can become easy prey for traffickers and others who abuse and exploit them.

Millions of children are on the move across international borders – fleeing violence and conflict, disaster or poverty, in pursuit of a better life. Hundreds of thousands move on their own. When they encounter few opportunities to move legally, children resort to dangerous routes and engage smugglers to help them cross borders. Serious gaps in the laws, policies and services meant to protect children on the move further leave them bereft of protection and care. Deprived, unprotected, and often alone, children on the move can become easy prey for traffickers and others who abuse and exploit them.

In a study of the views of children on the issues of violence and exploitation, ChildFund Alliance conducted over 50 focus groups in 41 countries so that their voices can be heard as part of the post 2015-agenda. The children cited the top three things they want world leaders to do – raise awareness of the issues, enact laws and punish offenders – as well as give examples of the worst forms of violence and exploitation.

ChildFund Alliance's advocacy paper on six lessons for investing in the protection of children from violence, ahead of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (Addis Ababa, July 13th-16th, 2015).

ChildFund Alliance's advocacy paper on six lessons for investing in the protection of children from violence, ahead of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (Addis Ababa, July 13th-16th, 2015).

In a study commissioned by ChildFund Alliance, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) estimates the costs of physical, psychological and sexual violence against children at between $3 trillion and US$7 trillion dollars.

Childfund Alliance’s advocacy paper on post-2015 targets and indicators on violence and exploitation against children.

In formulating the post-2015 development agenda, it is imperative that the voices of the next generation are heard and listened to. ChildFund Alliance asked child-led organizations from seven countries to choose their top 6 priorities for a better world.