Child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse

Launch of the 'StopX' online community to fight child sexual exploitation

UNICEF Image: World Congress III on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Brazil, UNICEF and partners launched StopX.org

Young participants at World Congress III Against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents.

By Yvonne Lester

NEW YORK, USA, 28 November 2008 – To coincide with the opening of World Congress III on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Brazil, UNICEF and partners launched StopX.org, an online community of young activists fighting sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

StopX.org offers extensive resources on this issue, including links to other websites and national help lines for young people to call in an emergency. One of the site’s main features is a private community where users are invited to collaborate with each other and showcase their work on fighting sexual exploitation.

“The site provides a powerful tool for young people, helping them become a positive force for change in their communities,” said head of UNICEF’s Division of Communication Youth Section Gerrit Beger.

Every child’s right

Sexual exploitation happens everywhere – at school, at home or at work, in communities and online. UNICEF and partners are advocating for every child’s right to freedom from sexual exploitation and abuse. Children and young people are demanding their right to protection and every one of us has a role to play in making this right a reality.

Please visit StopX.org to:

Learn important facts about sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.
Find information to help young people become leaders in the fight against sexual exploitation.
Connect with other young activist groups from around the world, discuss ideas and experiences and propose solutions.
Share videos, audio reports, pictures and articles produced by young people.
Showcase projects to media outlets such as newspapers, television and radio stations.