This publication serves as a companion paper to The Framework for the Protection, Care and Support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living in a World with HIV and AIDS. It discusses the protection issues facing children globally, outlining the priority actions needed to reduce their vulnerability. Like The Framework, the publication has been widely endorsed by international and non-governmental partners. It calls for enhanced social protection, legal protection and justice, and alternative care, underpinned by efforts to address the silence and stigma that allow discrimination, abuse and exploitation of children to continue.