Brussels, Belgium – 22 November 2024, Antonia Mulvey, Founder and Executive Director of Legal Action Worldwide, participated in a key panel discussion on the rights of girls in crises, as part of Children’s Rights at a Crossroads: Evolving Crises, an international conference held at the Egmont Palace in Brussels. The event marked the 35th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Organized by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium, UNICEF Belgium, and Plan International Belgium, the conference aimed to highlight the urgent need to protect children amidst escalating global crises.
The conference was inaugurated by Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who noted “Children’s rights are under threat all over the world,” emphasizing the devastating impacts of war, climate change, pandemics, and poverty on children, particularly those living in conflict zones. As honorary chair of UNICEF Belgium, Queen Mathilde called for stronger international collaboration to ensure the safety and well-being of children worldwide.
In a powerful panel discussion focused on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (Sustainable Development Goal 5), Antonia Mulvey addressed the specific challenges facing girls in crises. She emphasized the need for a more proactive approach to their protection, underscoring that to truly safeguard girls, it is essential not only to see them as victims of violence but also as active agents in solving the crises they face. She argued that empowering girls is central to their protection and future well-being, and that their voices must be included in decision-making processes.
Drawing from LAW’s extensive work with survivors, Antonia highlighted several key strategies for safeguarding children, particularly girls, in conflict and crisis zones. She stressed the importance of viewing children as active participants rather than passive recipients of aid. She pointed out that children are not only aware of what is right and wrong but should also be empowered to speak out and demand justice for themselves.
Antonia shared a powerful example from LAW’s work with 35 South Sudanese women survivors of brutal sexual violence perpetrated by the South Sudanese Armed Forces, who have filed a complaint to the CEDAW committee against South Sudan. A number of the survivors were minors at the time of the attacks. Following extensive advocacy, the CEDAW Committee made a groundbreaking decision to protect their identities, enabling the survivors to come forward without fear of reprisal. This case set an important precedent, encouraging other survivors of sexual violence to seek justice more confidently and securely.
In Ethiopia, LAW represents survivors of extrajudicial killings and sexual violence crimes perpetrated between November 2020 and November 2022. In this context, empowering survivors through legal support has supported the transition from victimhood to activism, allowing survivors themselves to take control of their fight for justice. LAW supported Tigrayan survivors in filing a complaint against Ethiopia at the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, successfully securing groundbreaking provisional measures ordering an end to ongoing violence, including sexual crimes against girls and women, and increased access to aid during the conflict.
In Somalia, LAW contributed to the development of the Somali Sexual Offences Bill, which aims to strengthen the legal framework for holding perpetrators of sexual violence, particularly those targeting children, accountable. Antonia emphasized the importance of clear legal frameworks to ensure justice for survivors and to prevent future violations.
In Sri Lanka, LAW supported a client in securing laser tattoo removal for a woman who had been subjected to severe domestic violence. LAW is also launching a campaign to end family violence in Sri Lanka, showing how both local and international efforts can work together to provide immediate care and bring about long-term systemic change.
The conference also featured a powerful contribution from Fatima, a young climate change survivor and activist from Nigeria, who spoke about the importance of including youth voices in global decision-making. She called for more opportunities for young people to engage in global conversations on crisis response, stressing the need for inclusive environments where youth can actively participate in shaping solutions.
The conference featured insights from Anita Queirazza of Plan International, who urged organizations to design programs that address the specific needs of girls in crisis situations. Florence Raes, Director of the UN Women Brussels Office, spoke about the importance of women’s inclusion in leadership and peacebuilding processes, calling for greater representation of girls and women in rebuilding societies after conflict. The panel was moderated by Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children.
As the panel concluded, Mulvey reflected on the core message of the day: the necessity of working together to ensure that all children, particularly girls, have access to education, justice, accountability and the protection of the law. She stressed that international collaboration, stronger legal frameworks, and grassroots efforts are all essential in protecting children and ensuring justice for those who have suffered violence. Antonia called for continued efforts to empower survivors, advocate for legal reforms, and ensure that the voices of young people, especially girls, are heard in efforts to build a more just and inclusive world for all children.