Cambodia calls for end to violence against children

PHNOM PENH (Xinhua) - Cambodia celebrated the International Children's Day today with calls for an end to violence against children.

The celebration, themed "Together to eliminate violence against children", brought together some 2,500 participants including officials, diplomats, development partners, teachers and students.

In a message to the celebration, which was held at the capital' s Diamond Island Exhibition Center, Prime Minister Hun Sen urged for the termination of violence against juveniles.

"Ministries, national institutions and local authorities must take measures to prevent children from all forms of violence including child sexual trafficking and physical torture," he said.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An also appealed to authorities, educators, and parents to educate children on how to prevent themselves from sexual harassment and violence.

"It is necessary to educate children on how to report to authorities and guardians about any forms of violence against them, " she said.

Currently, the country has about 5.48 million people below 18 years old, which represent 41 percent of the total population, according to the government figures.

A study carried out by the government's National Institute of Statistics last year found that more than three-quarters of children had experienced at least one incident of physical violence before the age of 12.

Around four percent of females and five percent of males have been sexually abused.