A/72/275 104. The Special Representative has continued her engagement with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children, including through her contribution to the debate on the rights of the child held by the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission in November 2016. 105. The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission outcome document paid substantial attention to the measures that must be taken by OIC member States to enhance children’s protection from violence, in line with their international legal obligations. It addressed the gender dimension of violence against children and incorporated a gender perspective into all policies and actions. It called on member States to promote the elimination of all forms of violence against children as a priority in their national development plans and national reviews in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. V. Looking ahead 106. Thanks to the mobilization created by the United Nations study on violence against children and the process of implementation of its recommendations, significant progress has been made around the world, and States are now better equipped to prevent, eliminate and respond to violence against children. 107. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda presents a unique opportunity to reinvigorate action. For the very first time, the dignity of children and their right to live free from fear and from violence are a distinct priority on the international development agenda. The inclusion of target 16.2, on ending all forms of violence against children by 2030, is a major breakthrough and provides a unique opportunity to promote a quantum leap in violence prevention and response efforts. 108. The international community must now act to transform this unique momentum into an unstoppable movement. 109. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will help reduce the risk of violence in children’s lives and provide effective responses for child victims. Failing to reach the Sustainable Development Goal targets related to violence against children, however, will compromise efforts in these areas and hinder social and economic progress across the whole development agenda. 110. It is crucial to act with a deep sense of urgency. Countless millions of children continue to be exposed to physical, psychological and sexual violence, both online and offline, often in a pervasive, hidden and concealed manner. They are intentionally targeted in politically driven processes, manipulated in organized crime, forced to flee violence in their communities, sold and exploited for economic gain, groomed online, disciplined through violent means, sexually assaulted in the privacy of their homes, neglected in institutions, abused in detention centres, bullied in schools, and stigmatized and ill-treated as a result of superstition or harmful practices. 111. Violence compromises all children’s rights. In early childhood, the impact of violence is often irreversible. As children grow, their exposure to violence becomes part of a continuum, spreading across their lives and at times persisting across generations. In addition, violence is also associated with far -reaching costs for society. It diverts billions of dollars from social spending, slowing economic development and eroding the human and social capital of States. 112. The 2030 Agenda is designed to bring an end to this situation. It pledges to leave no child behind. The best way to avoid leaving children behind is by putting 17-13267 17/18