Child protection overview

Last update: June 2022 | Next update: May 2023 June 2022

UNICEF seeks to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation and abuse of children everywhere

Violence. Child labour. Trafficking. Sexual exploitation. Female genital mutilation/cutting. Child marriage. Millions of children worldwide experience the worst kinds of rights violations. Millions more children, not yet victims, are inadequately protected against them.

UNICEF uses the term ‘child protection’ to refer to prevention and response to violence, exploitation and abuse of children in all contexts. This includes reaching children who are especially vulnerable to these threats, such as those living without family care, on the streets or in situations of conflict or natural disasters.