A/67/230 2. Consolidating cooperation with civil society 45. Civil society actors play a decisive role in the implementation of the recommendations of the Study and have been critical partners in promoting the ratification of core treaties relating to children’s rights, in the consolidation of regional networks and in the promotion of expert discussions. Cooperation has been greatly facilitated by the International NGO Council on Violence against Children and its advocacy and social mobilization efforts with partners at the international, regional and national levels. The Special Representative joined the launch of the NGO Council’s report entitled Five Years On: A Global Update on Violence against Children, which documents areas of progress, while presenting evidence of incidents of violence against children in different settings and regions. The report was a valuable contribution to the global survey conducted to monitor progress in the implementation of the Study recommendations. Strategic collaboration was further pursued with the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Working Group on Violence against Children, as well as with Child Helpline International and its network. 46. The Special Representative’s collaboration with faith-based organizations to strengthen the protection of children from violence gained further impetus. In the context of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, initiated by a global movement of religious leaders and communities of all faiths and secular organizations committed to children’s rights, significant initiatives were supported on the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to promote the ending of violence against children. Partner organizations Religions for Peace and the Centre for Interfaith Action launched an important initiative entitled “Ten promises to our children”, 9 which constitutes a valuable platform for harnessing the potential of religious communities to mobilize action to combat violence against children and to ensure that children grow up in a safe and protective environment. Similarly, the Fourth Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children, held in June 2012 in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, in which the Special Representative participated, adopted an important declaration of commitment to action against all forms of violence against children and harmful practices. 10 3. Strengthening cooperation with young people 47. Children’s participation was an essential contribution to the development of the Study and remains a core dimension of its follow-up process. Through field visits, regional initiatives and the global survey, the Special Representative has met and consulted with hundreds of children and, with the support of partners, benefited from the views and perspectives shared by thousands more. 48. Children participated in the regional consultations held in South and Central America, the Caribbean and South Asia, contributing their own declarations and recommendations which, in some cases, were integrated into the regional road maps adopted by Government representatives. 49. Children and young people contributed to the global survey, through their assessment of progress and identification of priorities for the future. Their recommendations reveal a remarkable resilience as well as a decisive determination to raise awareness, generate solidarity and support for child victims and instil __________________ 9 10 14 www.cifa.org/pledge-for-life.html. www.gnrc.net/en/aboutus/fourthforum/declaration.html. 12-45164