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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
Time: 8:31 pm
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Results for sexual exploitation of children in travel and tour
6 results foundAuthor: Ryu, Kevin Title: ECPAT Country Overview: Japan Summary: Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy and is geographically located in East Asia. 98.5% of its total population is ethnically Japanese. Children (persons under the age of eighteen) represent around 15% of its total population. Japan is the third largest economy in the world. While children are ensured high living standards, these may have deteriorated in numerous ways over time. Japan is a highly consumer-driven society with a big gender gap, two factors that can lead to the sexual exploitation of children (SEC). While children are constantly affected by consumerism and the pressure to make money, a recent deterioration in the gap between the rich and poor has resulted in an increase in child poverty and in children falling victims to sexual exploitation, notably through prostitution. Unfortunately, despite its prevalence, since this business is in a grey area, accurate data are difficult to collect. Japan is also notorious for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This is particularly problematic as Japan is known as a global leader in the technology industry, which results in online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). Moreover, Japan is considered a destination, source, and transit country for sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes. Many trafficked children are forced into prostitution and production of CSAM. In line with such a trend, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT) is a significant issue because Japanese nationals are one of the main sources of demand for SECTT in Asia. Lastly, Japanese legislation allows a girl child aged 16 to be married, which is considered child early and forced marriages (CEFM). Fortunately, the government is considering legislative changes to rectify this. In its efforts to tackle SEC, the Japanese government enacted the 1999 Act on the Regulation and Punishment of Acts relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and for Protecting Children (revised in 2014) which bans the simple possession of child sexual abuse material. The Act provides certain penalties for crimes of sexual exploitation of children. However, the law does not criminalise 'virtual' child abuse materials and does not penalise the viewing of CSAM. The government is also criticised for allowing many cases concerning child sexual exploitation to be suspended, and for allowing suspects not to be indicted. Furthermore, Japan does not have any explicit provisions criminalising the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism, although it has entered into extradition agreements with the US and South Korea. There is no double criminality requirement in the Japanese legal system. In July 2017, Japan submitted a Voluntary National Review Report on its progress regarding its implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. At the regional level, Japan is not a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), however, it has made efforts to enhance external relations as well as stability in the region. Since 2002, it has participated annually in the Conference of Investigators on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Southeast Asia. In 2016, it also attended the Sixth Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crimes. Furthermore, Japan has signed agreements with China, Hong Kong, and 27 countries within the European Union enhancing regional and international mutual legal assistance. At the national level, the Cabinet Office of Japan established the Headquarters for Youth Development that is in charge of coordinating and designing both international and national policies on children and youth. It has adopted several national plans of action and strategies in an effort to fight SEC. In 2017, the Cabinet presented the Basic Plan on Measures against Child Sexual Exploitation; in 2016, the government adopted the Third Comprehensive Measures to Eliminate Child Pornography; and in 2014, it formulated the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons. However, there is no comprehensive body or mechanism responsible for dealing with SECTT. In regards to preventive measures, it appears that the government has established several programmes and councils specifically concerning OCSE. The National Police Agency developed the Child Pornography Advanced Searching System and is closely working with the International Police's (Interpol's) Crimes Against Children Unit through the International Child Sexual Exploitation Database. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications initiated the Study Group on Countermeasures against Illegal/Harmful Information on the Internet in 2005, and the Council on Promotion of Measures to Eliminate Child Pornography was established in 2010. Several domestic laws such as the Civil Code, Civil Procedure Code, and the Administrative Case Litigation Act allow a child or his/her representative to proceed with litigation. Although it is not enough, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights may also provide legal support by investigating complaints. In addition, the Act on Measures Incidental to Criminal Proceedings for Protecting the Rights and Interests of Crime Victims introduces a court-appointed counsellor system. It is mandatory to audio or video record when interviewing a victimised child. Unfortunately, it is alleged that the victims of child sexual exploitation are often treated as juvenile delinquents and stigmatised as a result. Correspondingly, there are only a few staterun recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes in Japan. Mainly, some NGOs such as SACHICO and COLABO provide support to child victims. In terms of access to compensation, children in Japan are often not entitled to compensation. However, the National Police Agency will revise the victim benefit system starting in 2018 specifically to support victims under the age of eighteen. Child participation has increased recently through municipal policies and public movements. The Cabinet Office of Japan recruits youth reporters to collect opinions for them to reflect on when planning and formulating policies. However, in 2016, the Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children and Sexual Exploitation expressed her concern at the lack of involvement of children on the public policies that affect them. The lack of participation from child victims in particular, is striking. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2018. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://www.ecpat.org/country-reports/country-overview-japan/ Year: 2018 Country: Japan URL: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ECPAT-Country-Overview-Japan.pdf Shelf Number: 155926 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child Prostitution Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Child Victims Forced Marriage Japan Sexual Exploitation of Children Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tour |
Author: Sathyanarayanan, Sunethra Title: ECPAT Country Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina Summary: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a country with a highly complex and decentralised system of administration. The impact of such a fragmented system of governance has influenced the sociopolitical dynamics of the country in various regards. Needless to say, it also has a strong influence on the sexual exploitation of children in the country. The different and often inconsistent criminal codes, and the inadequate cooperation and coordination between the law enforcement officials of the different administrative units seem to complicate the efforts taken towards countering the different manifestations of sexual exploitation of children (SEC). Efforts also include the country's commitment towards fulfilling its obligations under various Council of Europe Conventions that it has ratified towards this end. At present, BiH is not a member of the European Union but is a potential candidate member. The decentralised government and legal systems combined with factors such as poverty, high unemployment rate and discrimination based on ethnicity exacerbate the circumstances facilitating SEC in the country. BiH continues to be a major source and destination for trafficking of children for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The State Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has also identified an increase in cases of cross-border trafficking for the purpose of SEC. Children of Roma ethnicity are more prone to becoming victims of SEC due to poverty, social exclusion and lack of birth registration. Impoverished children are also the most vulnerable to being subject to early and forced marriages. These marriages are pursued as a source of stability and protection for children. Children from poor families are also regularly targeted for the purpose of online child sexual exploitation. Law enforcement officials have found literature and online content that trains and encourages sex offenders to sexually exploit children. However, except Republika Srpska, none of the administrative units maintain a register with the comprehensive records of convicted child sex offenders. Republika Srpska passed the 'Law on the Special Register of Persons Directly Concerned for Criminal Activities of Sexual Abuse and Use of Children' earlier this year. According to BiH’s Constitution, the international conventions ratified by the country supersede national legislation. Hence its obligations towards fulfilling its international commitments is of high importance. The country is scheduled for a Voluntary National Review in 2019. BiH had established specific coordinating bodies such as the Council for Children and Ombudsman for Children to carry out its duties towards protection of children's rights in the country. However, the inadequate allocation of financial and human resources, and lack of coordination among authorities seem to have hampered the work of these bodies. NGOs such as IFS-EMMAUS and Udruzene zene have been playing a significant part in combating SEC in the country. These NGOs have coordinated with the State in conducting several educational and training workshops to facilitate efforts to counter SEC. Although provisions to enable child participation, compensation for victims, and recovery and reintegration of victims exist in theory, there have not been exemplary cases of such facilities being availed. The comprehensive data on such cases has also not been maintained by the State. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2018. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://www.ecpat.org/country-reports/bosnia-and-herzegovina/ecpat-country-overview-report-bosnia-herzegovina-2018/ Year: 2018 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina URL: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ECPAT-Country-Overview-Report-Bosnia-Herzegovina-2018.pdf Shelf Number: 155929 Keywords: Bosnia and Herzegovina Child Abuse and Neglect Child Prostitution Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Child Victims Forced Marriage Sexual Exploitation of Children Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tour |
Author: Kodeih, Lea Title: ECPAT Country Overview: Georgia Summary: Located along the Black Sea in the southern Caucasus region, Georgia has a population of 3.9 million people, which encompasses a number of sizable ethnic minority communities including Azerbaijanis, Armenians and Roma. In Georgia, poverty and disrupted or discontinued education are among the primary drivers of children's vulnerability to sexual exploitation. Nearly 28% of children live below the general poverty threshold. Children from poor households are significantly less likely to attend preschool or primary school than children from wealthier households. Anecdotal evidence indicates that exploitation of children in prostitution is a risk for street-connected children, living without access to protective services or environments. Girls, children from minority communities (e.g. Roma, Azeri-Kurds), and those living in extreme poverty are especially vulnerable. Offenders in every part of the world are increasingly using the Internet as their preferred medium for disseminating child abuse materials and Georgia is no exception. As Georgia increasingly comes online, online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) represents a growing and credible threat to many children. Georgia is a country of origin, transit and destination for victims of human trafficking for sexual purposes. The estimated 65,412 children who remain internally displaced from conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as children living and/or working in the streets and children from socially marginalized groups are among the most vulnerable to sex trafficking. Georgia established a single database on victims of trafficking by nationality, sex, age and form of exploitation, as well as disaggregated data on offenders in order to track progress against the At a Glance SDG indicators/targets. However, between 2016 and 2017, the government identified only one child (a girl) as a victim of sex trafficking. It is likely that the reported statistics severely underestimate the scope of the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. While official data on the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT) is lacking, we know that in 2017, Georgia received 4,069,354 tourist visits, a 23.4% increase from 2016. As the tourism industry in Georgia grows, resorts in the Black Sea region have become known as 'sex destinations'. For example, in tourist areas like the Adjara region and its resort city Batumi, victims of Azerbaijani descent are often subjected to forced prostitution. Enhancing detection and reporting mechanisms and data collection on the prevalence of SECTT and other forms of sexual exploitation of children (SEC) will be a crucial next step national efforts to address these violations of children's rights. Despite the fact that the country's Civil Code has established 18 as the minimum age of legal marriage, 14% of Georgian women ages 20-24 report that they were married or in a union before age 18. This is one of Europe's highest rates of child marriage. Girls in the religious minority communities in the Adjaria mountainous region and among ethnic minority communities in the Kvemo Kartli face particularly high risk of child, early and forced marriage (CEFM). Key factors of CEFM in Georgia include economic hardship and high rates of employment, which position marriage as a family's only financial option. Strict norms regarding pre-marital sex, stigma against unmarried girls, and a lack of emphasis on girls' continued education are other primary drivers. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2018. 33p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://www.ecpat.org/eco_georgia_final_09nov18/ Year: 2018 Country: Georgia URL: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ECO_GEORGIA_FINAL_09Nov18.pdf Shelf Number: 155930 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child Prostitution Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Child Victims Forced Marriage Georgia Sexual Exploitation of Children Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tour |
Author: Lima, Adaiana Souza Title: ECPAT Country Overview: Ireland Summary: The Republic of Ireland has an estimated population of 4,72 million inhabitants, out of which 1,19 million are children. The country was hit hard by the 2007-2008 financial crisis and the ensuing austerity measures, which worsened the national levels of poverty and homelessness. Although a developed country, Ireland still suffers from social inequality and income disparity, which are risk factors for the sexual exploitation of children (SEC). Data on the exploitation of children in prostitution is limited in Ireland, but the presence of children in brothels has been reported with victims being predominantly Irish or EU citizens. The country has a high rate of mobile phone and Internet usage, which can increase the risk of online child sexual exploitation (OCSE), such as online grooming. Ireland continues to be a destination country and is increasingly becoming a source country for child victims of trafficking for sexual purposes. The sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT) is also an issue with offenders taking advantage of cheap airfares and developed transport networks to commit crimes abroad. Furthermore, children have been involved in recent years in cross-border crimes, which include trafficking for the purpose of sham and forced marriages. The country has ratified some of the most relevant legal instruments in the fight against SEC, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour; but it has yet to ratify the CRC's Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (OPSC), and the Council of Europe’s Lanzarote and Budapest Conventions. The country also established partnerships with international agencies to combat SEC. Recent years has seen progress in terms of legislation to protect children from SEC, notably with the enactment of a Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which criminalises new offences relating to SEC. However, a victim-centred approach is still missing in the Irish legislation. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Justice and Equality both play pivotal roles in putting together policies to protect children. So far, they have implemented a National Policy Framework for Children & Young People, and a National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland, which both address aspects of SEC. However, Ireland's Special Rapporteur on Child Protection has highlighted gaps in the National Action Plan. In terms of prevention measures, the country has launched several sensitisation campaigns and it provides therapeutic support for child sex offenders to reduce risks of recidivism. In terms of children's access to justice, there is no national complaint mechanism adapted for child victims, which takes into consideration their specific vulnerabilities. They nevertheless have the right to be accompanied by a solicitor and/or another person of their choice when reporting a crime. Furthermore, when all domestic remedies have been tried, children have the possibility to turn to international bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights and/or the CRC Committee to submit a complaint. Some forms of child-sensitive measures are in place, such as accompaniment of the child throughout court proceedings, but the country does not yet have specific recovery and reintegration services for child victims of SEC, and it could benefit from having clearer avenues for victims to seek compensation. Although mechanisms promoting children's participation in Irish governance are recognised and included in a provision by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, more progress needs to be made to consult and take into consideration the needs and interests of child victims and survivors in particular. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2018. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://www.protectingchildrenintourism.org/ecpat-releases-latest-country-overview-on-ireland/ Year: 2018 Country: Ireland URL: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ECO_IRELAND_2018.pdf Shelf Number: 155931 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child Prostitution Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Child Victims Forced Marriage Ireland Sexual Exploitation of Children Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tour |
Author: Thimanna, Sanchia Title: ECPAT Country Overview: Czechia Summary: Czechia is a central European country with a population of 10.7 million of which 1.8 million are children. Although a high-income country ranking 27th on the Human Development Index, poverty driven by socioeconomic inequality and ethnic discrimination continues to persist in Czechia. Children belonging to marginalized groups often live in excluded localities with substandard housing and drop out of school early to escape from discrimination entrenched in the education system. These factors contribute to making children highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of exploitation of children in prostitution in Czechia, including those of very young children. High rates of Internet and mobile phone use among children in the country have facilitated online child sexual exploitation, by making it easier for perpetrators to establish contact with them. The sharing of self-generated sexual content among children is also a matter of growing concern. Czechia continues to be a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking, with children comprising more than half of the identified victims of sale and trafficking for sexual purposes. The risk of sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism is of grave importance, particularly in light of the exponential increase in the number travellers and tourists in the country. An emerging trend of cross-border trafficking for the purpose of fraudulent marriages has also put children in Czechia at risk. The country has ratified the main legal instruments to combat the sexual exploitation of children (SEC), including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, as well as the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Protocol). Czechia is also part of a number of international and regional commitments addressing SEC, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the WePROTECT Global Alliance to End Child Sexual Exploitation Online. However, amendments to the national legislation are yet to be made for the definitions of all SEC-related offences to align with the ratified instruments and commitments. Further, loopholes in the legal framework need to be fixed in order to protect children above 15 years of age. Czechia does not have a national strategy or coordination body specifically addressing SEC. Some aspects of SEC are addressed within broader national strategies by different government bodies, mainly the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The trafficking of children has been prioritized in the National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings 2016-2019. Efforts have been made by the government to implement prevention measures through raising awareness, with much focus on safer Internet use by children. In terms of children's access to justice, Czechia does not have an Ombudsperson for Children to receive and resolve complaints made by children. Nevertheless, several child-sensitive measures have been put in place, including trainings for law enforcement personnel on how to communicate with child victims in specially designed hearing rooms. Czechia does not have specific recovery and reintegration services for victims of SEC, and could benefit from having clearer avenues for child victims to seek compensation. Although there has been progress in children's participation in matters of governance, efforts must be made to involve child victims and survivors in order to take their needs and interests into consideration while designing policies. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2019. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://www.ecpat.org/news/czechia-child-sexual-exploitation-through-prostitution-reaches-new-high/ecpat-country-overview-czechia-czech-republic-2019/ Year: 2019 Country: Czech Republic URL: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ECPAT-Country-Overview-Czechia-Czech-Republic-2019.pdf Shelf Number: 155932 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Child Prostitution Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Child Victims CzechiaForced Marriage Sexual Exploitation of Children Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tour |
Author: Kodeih, Lea Title: ECPAT Panorama du Pays: Republique Centrafricaine (ECPAT Country Overview: Central African Republic) Summary: Desk review of existing information on the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in the Central African Republic (CAR). The overview gathers existing publicly available information on sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT), online child sexual exploitation (OCSE), trafficking of children for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children through prostitution, child early and forced marriage (CEFM) and identifies gaps, research needs, and recommendations. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2019. 32p. Source: Internet Resource (in French): Accessed May 20, 2019: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Country-report-CAR.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Central African Republic URL: https://www.ecpat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Country-report-CAR.pdf Shelf Number: 155933 Keywords: Central African Republic Child Abuse and Neglect Child Prostitution Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Child Victims Forced Marriage Online Child Sexual Exploitation Sexual Exploitation of Children Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tour |