A/66/227 IV. Ensuring firm support 112. Ensuring sound support and predictable funding has been essential for promoting progress on this strategic agenda and for the effective and independent fulfilment of the Special Representative’s mandate. 113. UNICEF provides administrative support for the mandate and has established a trust account in order to receive, hold, administer and disburse financial contributions provided to fund the operation of the Office of the Special Representative, including payment for personnel costs. 114. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 62/141, the mandate of the Special Representative is funded from voluntary contributions. In this connection, the Assembly called upon States and institutions concerned, United Nations agencies, regional and civil society organizations and the private sector to provide the necessary support, including financial contributions. The Assembly also anticipated the evaluation of the mandate three years after its establishment, in 2012, including with regard to its funding. 115. Contributions received by July 2011 have been crucial in relaunching and promoting the process of follow-up to the study, advocating and supporting developments for violence prevention and the protection of children from violence, and ensuring office support. However, additional funding remains essential if the Special Representative is to be able to effectively play her role as a global independent advocate. Firm support remains particularly important for the advancement of progress in the priority areas identified in her strategic agenda, the organization of thematic expert consultations, the development of advocacy materials and resources, and the continued consolidation of collaboration with regional governance structures to strengthen national follow-up to the study. V. Looking ahead 116. The first two years of the mandate have seen significant developments. These include important legislative and policy measures undertaken by Governments to protect children from violence; strategic initiatives by United Nations agencies and mechanisms to mainstream the issue of violence against children into their agendas; and critical strides by regional organizations and groupings, as well as civil society actors, in institutionalizing the process of implementing the study’s recommendations. Violence against children is giving rise to increasing concern and action, in many cases supported by wide social mobilization in which children themselves are playing a growing role. 117. At the same time, however, violence continues to compromise the rights of millions of children. Hidden and socially accepted, violence is met with passivity and indifference. Owing to weak reporting and to fragmented and short-term interventions, it is seldom high on the policy agenda or a priority topic of public debate. As a result, many children continue to live with trauma and in fear, selfblame, isolation and helplessness. 118. The urgency of ensuring children’s freedom from violence has not diminished, and it is imperative that the current pace of progress be accelerated. With this aim, and within the overall framework of the priorities of her mandate, the Special 11-44118 23