Blue is the colour of the rights of the child. Sexual abuse of children and adolescents is a crime and a gross violation of their rights and a global public health problem. It adversely affects the health of children and adolescents. Melbourne's Federation Square is one of many Australian buildings, places and infrastructure lighting up in blue on 18 November 2025. To shine a light on the prevention of, and protection and healing from child sexual abuse. Link to google maps below show the 69 buildings, landmarks and infrastructure already confirmed to be illuminated in blue in Australia.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_29EncelT-7bhaOS3PI0JGe3NIX6-Kc&usp=sharing

Sunset in Melbourne on 18 November 2025 is 8:13 PM. Details to follow on where to gather to watch Federation Square light up in blue on #EndChildSexualAbuseDay

https://www.facebook.com/share/16SGDB28y7/
https://www.linkedin.com/events/7376121890559602688/

Background

The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a violation of human rights and a public health problem with significant consequences for global health and development.

Affirming the need to eliminate and prevent all forms of child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence and to promote the dignity and rights, including mental and physical health and healing, of those who experience child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence, on 7 November 2022, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/8, proclaiming 18 November of each year as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.

The United Nations invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, world leaders, faith actors, civil society, including non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to commemorate the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence each year in a manner that each considers most appropriate.

This includes commitments to ensure quality education and to raise public awareness of those affected by child sexual abuse and the need to prevent and eliminate child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence, including online and offline. There is an imperative to hold perpetrators to account, ensure the access of survivors and victims to justice and remedies, as well as to facilitate open discussion on the need to prevent and eliminate their stigmatization, promote their healing, affirm their dignity, and protect their rights.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/child-sexual-exploitation-prevention-and-healing-day

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Thank you to all our 16,681 supporters!  Hope many join in the gathering at Federation Square on 18 November, 2025.