In the run up to this week's Child Protection Week, UNICEF has launched a new campaign, "Believe in Zero", which calls on all South Africans to unite behind the goal of zero violence against children.
The campaign highlights the role everyone has to play in the protection of children, not just the authorities.
"Tens of thousands of children in South Africa are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation every year - and offenders often go unpunished," said UNICEF representative Aida Girma. Statistics from the South African Police Service confirm there were more than 54,000 reported crimes against children between 2010 and 2011.
Sexual offences make up about half of that figure, while around 30% of victims are under the age of 10 years. Research has shown that in most abuse cases, the offenders are known to the children.
A UNICEF report titled A Programme of Cooperation between government and UNICEF for 2013 to 2017 highlights conditions under which many South African children are forced to live. The report shows that poor children are 17 times more likely to experience hunger and three times less likely to complete school than children from wealthier backgrounds.
"The government must increase its understanding of inequity and its causes, or lose the child rights battle," Girma said.
World famous singer and UNICEF ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka added her voice to Believe in Zero, saying "Child protection starts with every one of us, as individuals – no matter who we are and where we live."
Believe in Zero is also accessible online, with a specially designed Facebook app that urges people to express their support, upload photos or videos, post messages and engage their networks on the goal of the campaign.
Among those people who share their views through the app, one passionate supporter will be given the chance to take a field trip with UNICEF to see first-hand how the organisation works with partners - and children themselves - towards the fulfilment of child rights.
To find out more about Believe in Zero, or participate in the campaign, visit www.unicef.org.za or join the conversation on Facebook.
SA - the Good News
Steuart has done some 500 talks on South Africa's progress since 1994 and SA's prospects for the future' 
