A Call for Zero Tolerance of Sexual Exploitation of Children

Sexual exploitation of children is one of the worst scourges of our time. This phenomenon destroys children’s self esteem. It negatively affects their dignity and self worth.

There must be zero tolerance for sexual exploitation of children in the world. This is what the Third World Congress on sexual exploitation of children which was held in Rio de Janeiro from 25-28 November 2008 called for.

There is a growing proliferation of pedophilia among society especially on the internet. Nowadays many children face problems such as incest, cyber sexual exploitation, pornography, sex tourism, prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation purposes.

The harming and ill-treatment of children is inexcusable. It has to be stopped forthwith. The protection of children from all forms of abuse is possible and requires collaborative efforts. There is need to strengthen legal frameworks followed by practical plans of action. This involves enactment of new laws and ensuring effective enforcement of such laws.

Challenges of sexual exploitation are enormous and therefore require collaborative efforts of all role players with children in the forefront. Those who deal with children’s issues should understand sexual exploitation broadly. Social workers, teachers, nurses and the police should be capacitated to deal effectively with sexual exploitation of children. These people should know what the rights of children are and what is in their best interests. It is important to ensure that children involved in criminal activities are treated as victims and not as perpetrators, as it is currently the case in many countries. We need to put children first and not justice first.

Resources have to be channeled towards prevention of child sexual exploitation. The legal framework should be able to deter the perpetrators from committing crimes against children. There is also a need for transformation of attitudes and mindset among family members who are generally involved in the abuse of children.

The “Child Abuse Watchdog” was in Rio de Janeiro and captured critical issues of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. So stay tuned for more on this…

Obrigado! Thank you!