New challenges pose greater risks in the fight against child sexual abuse and exploitation

“We are also witnessing greater international cooperation, more victim-centred approaches and greater private sector involvement. However, despite these achievements, the scale and severity of abuse against children remains alarming and worrying.”

Too many children around the world continue to be trafficked, sexually exploited and abused, Ms Sinhart said in her final report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, adding that these crimes are often hidden, perceived as normal or do not receive adequate attention.

Technology-driven risks are on the rise

The independent expert noted that in recent years, countries have made significant progress in strengthening their criminal legal frameworks to align them with international standards and hold perpetrators of child trafficking and sexual exploitation criminally accountable.

However, the report’s analysis of the current situation reveals a rapidly evolving landscape of child sexual exploitation.

As digital threats intensify and global crises emerge, the risks to children are constantly increasing.

Technology-driven sexual exploitation and abuse is on the rise, while conflict and climate-related disasters continue to create environments conducive to child sexual exploitation and abuse and expanding extractive industries often exacerbate children’s vulnerability.

Response strategies

The independent expert stated that these “new frontiers” require a rethinking of strategies, an updated and effectively implemented legal framework and investment in technological solutions capable of tackling those who try to harm children.

He called on countries to:

• Strengthen, harmonize and effectively enforce legal frameworks that criminalize all forms of child exploitation.
• invest in digital security and stricter regulation of technology platforms
• improve cross-border cooperation
• ensure victim-centered justice
• address root causes
• Involve the private sector as an active partner.

He also called on all those who work with or care for children to ensure they are at the center of every decision, policy and intervention.

Possible prevention

Ms Sinhart points out that the buying and selling of children, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are not inevitable; They are preventable.

“These problems arise from choices ̶ political choices, economic choices, technological choices ̶ and that is why we have the ability to choose to defend and protect the rights of children, fill the gaps that make them vulnerable and build a world where every child is valued, protected and free from all forms of exploitation.”