UNICEF SA's 'Believe In Zero'

Today marks the start of Child Protection Week (28 May - 3 June) and UNICEF South Africa has launched 'Believe In Zero' campaign to call on all South Africans to unite behind the goal of zero violence against children.

'South Africa’s levels of violence against children are among the highest in the world. Tens of thousands of children are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation every year and offenders often go unpunished,' says Aida Girma, a UNICEF representative.

UNICEF is driving the Believe in Zero initiative online through a specially designed Facebook app that allows all South Africans to add their voice and unite against child abuse. In South Africa alone there are more than 54,000 reported crimes against children in 2010/2011 and these types of crimes are grossly underreported.

Sexual offences make up about half of that figure, while around 30 percent of these victims are under the age of 10 years. Research has shown that in most abuse cases, the offenders are known to the children.

UNICEF Ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka says, 'Child protection starts with every one of us, as individuals no matter who we are and where we live.'

To find out more about Believe in Zero, or participate in the campaign, visit www.unicef.org.za or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.