A/67/230 bodies and institutions, and civil society organizations. The expert consultation put forward the following conclusions and recommendations: (a) Although data and research on violence against children remain scarce and fragmented, significant recent initiatives provide a sound foundation for informing evidence-based advocacy, policies and decisions to prevent and address that phenomenon. (b) Urgent efforts should be promoted in areas where gaps have been identified, including: (i) the incidence of violence during the life cycle of the child and across risk situations, such as children in care and justice institutions, children living and/or working on the street, children with disabilities, indigenous children and those belonging to minorities; (ii) children’s exposure to violence in periods of economic crisis, social instability and natural disaster; (iii) cost-effective interventions for the prevention and early detection of violence and for the recovery and reintegration of child victims and witnesses; (iv) the human and social cost of violence, and return on investment in prevention. (c) Together with initiatives to develop robust, credible and accurate data and research, it is vital to integrate information across sectors, disciplines and data sources, keeping the human dignity and best interests of the child as central concerns in the assessment of the cumulative impact of different manifestations of violence over the child’s life cycle. (d) Children’s perceptions, views and experiences are crucial for understanding the hidden face of violence and helping to address its root causes. The importance of children’s role in data gathering, analysis, writing up and dissemination is undeniable, but their involvement remains confronted with significant challenges and dilemmas, including the need to avoid patronizing or manipulative approaches and situations that may place children at risk, and to promote solutions that genuinely balance the imperative need to protect children from harm with their right to express their views and influence decisions. This is an area where further research is required to explore the complexities, tensions and opportunities of children’s involvement, and to reflect on core ethical dimensions which should guide national initiatives and capacity-building efforts. (e) It is crucial to bridge the gap between the acquisition of knowledge and its translation into action. Still too often, existing data are not analysed or made public and fail to inform advocacy, policymaking and the allocation of resources, or to promote changes in attitude and behaviour for the prevention and elimination of violence. It is critical to invest in communication and better presentation of evidence in order to assist decision makers; to promote evidence-based programmes adapted to local contexts; and to widen the ownership of implementation efforts by the public at large. (f) Data and research are not politically neutral. They provide transparency to policymaking, and make possible public scrutiny of States’ actions for and achievements in the protection of children from violence. This is an area where the leadership and commitment of Governments may be most meaningfully expressed by placing the best interests of the child above the temptation of preserving a positive political image. It is therefore heartening to acknowledge the significant national surveys conducted recently that have exposed serious gaps and concerns relating to violence against children, while laying the foundation for the 12-45164 9