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Preventing the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children

Preventing the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children

Although significant efforts have been made to address the scourge of the sale and sexual exploitation of children, numerous gaps remain. The nature of the issue has changed considerably over recent decades with far-reaching impact on children, including the expansion of the internet, migration flows, natural disasters, conflicts, climate-related upheavals, and the ever-evolving and increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies, such as surrogacy.

Against this backdrop, UNICEF Innocenti collaborated with the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children to reflect on the current state of play of this problem, its root causes and new manifestations, as well as the relevance and the impact of interventions to eliminate this crime. Following an expert consultation held at UNICEF Innocenti in 2019, three reports were published (available in five languages: English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish) which summarise key discussion points around important contexts related to the sale and sexual exploitation of children: technology, sport, and migration.

 

Publications

The Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children: Digital Technology
Publication

The Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children: Digital Technology

As access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) increases, so too do the risks posed to children. Popular ICTs can enable and facilitate sexual crimes against children, including the production and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials and the facilitation of child prostitution.
The Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children: Migration
Publication

The Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children: Migration

Children who are migrating, especially if unaccompanied, face increased risk of being subjected to violence, including sexual violence, exploitation, and human trafficking.
The Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children: Sport and Sporting Events
Publication

The Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children: Sport and Sporting Events

Sport has a powerful effect on children’s well-being and can promote greater physical health, emotional and mental balance, and help children develop important skills. But sport can also expose children to grievous harm and violence.
Handbook for the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography
Publication

Handbook for the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

The Handbook aims to promote understanding and effective implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The publication describes the genesis, scope and content of the Protocol, and provides examples of measures taken by States Parties to fulfil their obligations under this instrument. This essential guide is addressed principally to public officials, UN organizations, child rights advocates and others who work with and for children, and whose duties and activities can enhance the protection of children from exploitation, whether on the national or local level.