Ending Violence Against Children: From Commitment to Reality, shared by Joachim Theis

Title: Ending Violence Against Children: From Commitment to Reality
Author: Sheema Sen Gupta
Publication: Global Policy Journal
Date: 2 November 2026
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Summary: Sheema Sen Gupta states that SDG Target 16.2 will not be achieved by 2030 and calls for realistic, differentiated and evidence-based targets for reducing violence against children. Drawing on Sweden’s experience, she describes progress in reducing physical punishment alongside continuing challenges involving severe violence, service quality and coordination. She calls for greater investment in child protection systems and the social service workforce, with targets distinguishing prevention of initial harm, prevention of recurrence and escalation, and detection, protection and support for children experiencing repeated or severe violence.

Quotes:
“While ending violence against children must remain the long-term aspiration, it is time to rethink how progress is defined, prioritised, and measured now and in any future iteration of the SDGs.”

“Achieving sustained reductions across the different forms of violence depends not only on prevention efforts, but also on the strength, and reach, of child protection systems”

“At the same time, as discussions on the post-2030 agenda begin to take shape, we propose exploring a new generation of goals and targets that are realistic, differentiated, and actionable.”