The UN Study on Violence against Children was launched during a conference on violence against children promoted by the Belgian Government, local civil society entities and the Belgian Committee for UNICEF. The conference was held in the Palais d’Egmont, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Study was presented by the Independent Expert and Etienne Krug, Director of the Department of Injuries & Violence Prevention at WHO. Key aspects of the Study follow up were also presented. Ambassador Jan Grauls opened the event on behalf of the Belgian government and stressed the commitment of his government to support the follow-up to the Study and the implementation of its recommendations.

Apart from participating in the national launch of the Study, the Independent Expert also met representatives of the Belgian Senate, the Flemish Government and coalitions of civil society working on children’s issues. The President of the Belgian Senate, Anne-Marie Linzin participated in an event on the Study findings in the University of Liege. Apart from the meetings with local authorities, the Independent Expert also met partners within the European Union.