Uniting for a Safer World

International Safeguarding Conference 2024

Bram Tulusan, MSC. Rome. On 18-21 June 2024, the International Safeguarding Conference 2024 took place at the Pontifical Gregorian University. There were about 234 Delegates from various countries participated in the conference, including Bishop Luis Manuel Ali Herrera (Secretary for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors). The conference was opened by Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Vatican Secretary of State), with this year’s theme being Safeguarding & Disability. “We have here the possibility to overcome different barriers by coming together and discussing ways to combat abuse, an injustice that strikes everyone, disabled and non-disabled,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the opening of the conference.

It is always important to recognise the importance of creating a safe environment or community for children wherever we are. “Most abuse is committed by someone well known to the disabled child or vulnerable person. This is why safe environments are important.” Disabled children are at greater risk than non-disabled children and of becoming victims of abuse in the community. Our culture shapes our perception and approach to individuals with disabilities. The situation is even more challenging because, in some countries, survivors of abuse with experience of disability are viewed as a bad omen, a curse, or locked away, waiting for belonging.
Childhood disability is both a risk and a result of maltreatment. Awareness alone is not enough to create an environment free from abuse. It takes a collective commitment to create concrete actions to ensure that the fundamental rights of children with disabilities are fulfilled. We must stop any attempt to exclude any group in society. We all have the same mission of creating a safer and sacred space for all human-beings.