The theme of the Conference is Child Abuse & Neglect in Asia Pacific Countries: Challenges and Opportunities. The term “Child Abuse & Neglect” (CAN) has different connotations in different socioeconomic and cultural settings. It is important to include the child deprived of basic rights such as education, development, and health care; and the exploited child; under the broad ambit of CAN. The diversity and the magnitude of the problem demands that CAN be accorded top priority and addressed as a major social and public health issue. It must be tackled with a multidisciplinary approach.
The conference will provide an opportunity for discussion, sharing of ideas, practices, expertise and experience in order to develop region specific programs to tackle Child Abuse and Neglect .and will explore a number of sub-themes across different cultures in the Asia Pacific region. These include socio-cultural aspects, legal issues and justice mechanisms, child protection, prevention and rehabilitation; as well as more specific issues such as physical abuse, sexual exploitation, children “at work” and homeless children. We invite professionals from various disciplines (pediatricians, nurses, lawyers, members from the judiciary, police, teachers, social workers, child psychologists, child rights activists, and community leaders) to participate in this unique opportunity.