This is a major step forward for protecting boys from sexual violence.
Blue Umbrella Day at the United Nations
We’re delighted to share a significant milestone in our global advocacy work, made possible by the commitment of our members, our international network of changemaker organisations and the continuous support of our donors.
A new United Nations report, expected to shape global action on child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, has now been submitted to the Human Rights Council. You can read the final report of the UN Special Rapporteur, Mama Fatima Singhateh, below.
This moment marks a powerful step forward for the Blue Umbrella Day movement.
Since October 2024, our members and partners around the world have been calling for stronger recognition and prevention of the sexual exploitation and abuse of boys and young men. Through the Signature Campaign and the growing Blue Umbrella Day movement, this collective advocacy has helped push a long-overlooked issue onto the global policy agenda.
Boys as “Invisible Victims”
For the first time, this UN Special Rapporteur’s report includes a dedicated section on “invisible victims”, recognising that boys remain largely hidden in conversations about sexual exploitation and abuse.
The report highlights how harmful social norms, stigma and expectations of masculinity often silence boys, while child protection systems have historically focused almost exclusively on girls. As a result, boys and gender-diverse children are frequently left without adequate recognition, protection or support.
This acknowledgement at the highest level of the UN reflects concerns our member organisations have raised consistently for years. It is a milestone for everyone – supporters, members, partners and signatories – who have worked to ensure these realities are no longer ignored. Thank you.
For the first time, the UN Special Rapporteur’s report includes a dedicated section on “invisible victims”, recognising that boys remain largely hidden in conversations about sexual exploitation and abuse.
Blue Umbrella Day: Advocacy That Shapes Policy
The report explicitly references our sustained advocacy for the protection of boys, highlighting the role of Blue Umbrella Day in mobilising global attention and dialogue.
Most importantly, the Special Rapporteur’s final recommendations call for international recognition of 16 April as Blue Umbrella Day. With more than 50,000 signatures backing this call thorugh our petition, we are one step closer to securing an internationally recognised day of action to protect boys from sexual violence!
What else the report highlights
The report reinforces several areas our members are already championing:
- Child protection systems that recognise the specific vulnerabilities of boys and gender-diverse children
- Prevention-focused, trauma-informed responses, including better support around harmful sexual behaviours
- Survivor-centred approaches that prioritise participation, dignity and ethical engagement
These recommendations create important opportunities for strengthening advocacy across all our member countries and beyond. They show that our collective work is helping steer global conversations in a more inclusive and effective direction.
What Happens Next?
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be working closely with partners to build on this momentum and translate these findings into even stronger national and international advocacy. We will also be discussing the report in upcoming sessions and workshops with our community of organisations and practitioners committed to preventing sexual violence against all children. The movement will continue to grow!
We also invite organisations, practitioners and allies to join Blue Umbrella Day 2026.
Building on this growing global recognition, Blue Umbrella Day 2026 will focus on celebrating it as an internationa; day and deepening advocacy around harmful social norms, masculinities, family strengthening and prevention, while continuing to call for justice, protection and healing for boys affected by sexual violence. More details on how to participate and contribute will be shared in the coming months.
