Africa: UN call to fight violence against youngsters

Children in emergencies are at particular risk of gender-based violence given their limited ability to protect themselves and the disruption of family and community protection. "It is hard to think of an act against girls and young women that can be more damaging or enduring than sexual violence," UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said. "Sexual violence is also a major factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS, which is having a devastating impact on children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa."