october 2004 no. 12 protect uS:commercial Sexual Exploitation Building a protective environment for children is a complex and crucial undertaking. Yet young people on Voices of Youth are not deterred. They are actively discussing what it involves and how they can contribute to making it a reality. This issue of “What Young People Are Saying” focuses on what young people view as the main contributing factors to the ongoing commercial sexual exploitation of children, and what they feel can be done to keep children safe. Their recommendations and concerns echo UNICEF’s concept of a “protective environment” and Articles 34, 35 and 36 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. New HIV/AIDS game on life skills “What would you do?” Get ready for a game on staying safe from HIV! New module on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Learn more about this serious violation of child rights. WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT Voices of Youth: “Xpression too” Young people from around the world, including VOY members, speak out! Upcoming Public Service Announcement ”Make a difference” One minute video contest, beginning December. Quizzes HIV, Girl Child, Polio & more! Lesson for Life: e-discussion 15 – 26 November, get ready for an HIV Lesson for Life on VOY! INSIGHT OF THE MONTH “I needed courage to talk about commercial sexual exploitation of children…but we need to take action, even if it looks like a small step. Such works will not be wasted. It’s the youth who will change the world for their own future.” 24, Japan OVerview The discussions of young people on Voices of Youth concerning commercial sexual exploitation are filled with words of anger against those who take advantage of vulnerable children, words of disappointment for the institutions who have failed to protect them, words of frustration for the poverty that severely worsens this problem, and words of inspiration for those with the courage to take action to help create a protective environment for children. A protective environment, as defined by UNICEF, is one where everyone – from children to adults – lives up to their responsibilities to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation. Young people recognize that building a protective environment for children will protect them not only from commercial sexual exploitation, child labor, abuse, trafficking, and violence, but will also provide children with the basic social services to develop into strong and healthy individuals capable of leading their communities and countries into the future. somalia “Children should be protected in any way possible and education is one of the ways to protect them, however we must not focus on only one solution… there are many solutions opened to us which we must make use of…” girl, 19 Members of Voices of Youth are calling out for the rights of all children, especially children at risk of abuse, exploitation and violence, to be protected and promoted. They ask that every member of their community – local, national, regional and international – accept and take on their collective responsibility to protect all children. Following is a brief summary of young people’s comments and suggestions. For more information contact: Amber Oliver, Coordinator, voy@unicef.org Commercial sexual exploitation issues in context October 2004 Click on a link to read What Young People Are Saying about Commercial sexual exploitation Defining CSE Widespread Problem Violation of Rights Contributing Factors What young people are doing? What can leaders do? Conclusion Defining commercial sexual exploitation? Young people discussed how to define commercial sexual exploitation. Discussions included insight as to which children are most vulnerable to being exploited, the heightened risks for children who are sexually exploited, and the exploiters and abusers who commit these violations. united arab emirates “Abandoned and destitute…children devoid of all the basic necessities in life are taken advantage of... they are exploited at the hands of people in numerous ways leaving them scared, helpless and vulnerable. The most heinous facet of child trafficking is forcing children into prostitution and using them as pornographic material...” girl, 19 sri lanka “…They (abusers) feel that having sexual intercourse with children would provide them safety from STDs while getting their inhumane pleasure for a low cost.” boy, 18 widespread problem Approximately two million children are sexually exploited worldwide according to the ILO. Young people on Voices of Youth express their concerns about this growing dilemma. They share their knowledge of how commercial sexual exploitation of children affects their countries, their regions and the world as a whole. ecuador “In my country it happens every day and the President doesn’t do anything. A lot of children suffer because of it but I’m sure that if we put our minds together we can make this world better.” girl, 14 ghana “This issue is not only a problem in Asia. It is in all parts of the world, both developed and developing countries… If we don’t stop it now… it will become a cycle…now is the time to do something about it, not later.” girl, >21 VIOLATION OF RIGHTS Article 34 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly outlines that States must protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse including: the inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity; the exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices; and the exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials. “Commercial sexual exploitation of children is clearly unethical and no child, girl or boy, deserves to receive such treatment.” (boy, Australia, 21) canada “Exploiter des enfants (surtout qu’à ces âges, ont est naïfs!) comme des objets est une des pires preuves de non-respect à l’être humain… Le plus dégoûtant c’est que dans certains pays, c’est un énorme marché…tout peut changer… moi je le veux.” girl, 16 contributoring factors Young people on Voices of Youth discuss in great detail the factors they recognize as contributing to the sexual exploitation of children. Attitudes and Behaviors: Participants speak of how societies that place a relatively lesser value on children, especially the girl child, may enable an environment that is prone to supporting or encouraging behaviors that place children at risk of exploitation, for example: condoning parents’ decision to sell their children, or blaming children themselves for being exploited or abused. “Parents send their girls to have sex with older men for a fee…because they don’t have money.” (girl, Ghana, >21) bangladesh “Schools don’t take them [girls whose mothers are prostitutes]. They can’t get an education. They can’t get good jobs. They will die. These are the real facts in Bangladesh.” boy, 21 Media: The role of the media in influencing attitudes and behaviors is hotly debated on Voices of Youth. With some participants holding the media responsible for perpetuating the idea that young children, especially girls, are sexual objects and others feeling that the media can be a very powerful partner in changing attitudes and mobilizing change. united states “I feel it is wrong for the media to use and view children as sexual objects when it comes to advertising. “ girl, >21 State’s Responsibility: Young people recognize the importance of the role of the state in creating a protective environment for the child, making particular reference to the need for a legal and judicial framework that will hold everyone responsible for protecting and promoting children’s rights. But participants are concerned over the corruption that weakens their States and threatens the essential elements of a protective environment. australia “What a lot of people don’t realize is that in some countries it’s not just that the police and government don’t have child prostitution on the top of their list, it also happens that if kids who are forced into it run away, a lot of times the police actually track them down and take them back, because its such a good business, and they themselves get discounts for ‘helping out.’” girl, 16 colombia “Lastimosamente en mi país la explotación sexual es muy alta y aquí por la falta de dinero la jovencitas y los jóvenes de mi país caen muy fácilmente en esas redes de trata de blancas esto pasa por que aquí la policía ni el Gobierno le dan un verdadero control a este problema.” boy, 19 Singapore “The thing is that the government isn’t doing anything about it. Stopping sex trade is not one of their top priorities.” girl, 14 Young people on Voices of Youth call for states to prioritize the protection of children though strong and supported legislative frameworks. They talk of how in the absence of a legislative, executive, and judicial system it is easy for exploiters to violate the rights of a child. Romania “La mayoría de los pedofilos…vienen acá sabiendo que todavía la corrupción existe y creen que se pueden escapar fácilmente del castigo.” girl, >21 Capacity: Parents, children, police officials, teachers, social workers, and all members of a child’s wider community, need the knowledge, skills, resources, support, authority, and motivation to protect children from being sexually exploited, as well as to help those whose rights are not being fulfilled. Participants talk of how without this capacity, even those who actively want to keep children safe are unable to, and give the example of parents who send their children abroad or to cities to work because they do not know about the associated dangers, or because of poverty feel they have no other choice. nigeria “…because of the poverty and not enough enlightenment…parents believe the lies and fall victim to the tricks of traffickers: 1) they lie to their victim about how the children work in a simple place and collect enough money, 2) they entice them with money, 3) they tell them they make arrangements for them to travel overseas for a better life, 4) they deceive them with a great and expensive excursion and tell them to apply free.” boy, >21 morocco “Et il faut que les parents apprennent cela à leurs enfants. Aussi à travers des campagnes de sensibilisation dans les écoles…” girl, 14 Children’s life skills and knowledge: Children are at greater risk of being exploited if they are unaware of their rights and ways to protect themselves. Additionally, children who are sexually exploited lose out in the opportunity to receive an education and build their capacities to prepare them for a productive and healthy life. “Niñas son de nuevo secuestradas en sucias habitaciones y obligadas a prostituarse, y ellas no tienen ninguna culpa… están hambre, giro, enfermedades y abusos, por que nadie le defenda allá.” (girl, Romania, 16) nepal “…making them self reliant by other ways or providing them other skills so that they can be engaged in other activities to earn their living should be our effort.” boy, >21 Monitoring and reporting: Young people on Voices of Youth emphasize the need to monitor and evaluate systems meant to protect children. This is important not only to make sure the systems are working, but also for accountability. Young people talk of how these systems are particularly critical to stop trafficking across international borders, as one boy from Nigeria says: “Governments should monitor the immigration and airport authority (for the trafficking of children).” (boy, Nigeria, >21) Recovery and reintegration: Children who have been sexually exploited or have experienced abuse or violence have a right to access to basic social services. Young people on Voices of Youth are fully aware of the consequences for exploited and abused children when the appropriate services are not made available, talking of how they are put at greater risk to premature death, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, educational problems, homelessness, and poor physical and mental health. sri lanka “This situation has to be stopped because this is a mental as well as physical agony for the children. They drop out of school or become violent. Some even commit suicide. They die prematurely by contracting STD’s. It is a chain effect.” boy, 18 conclusion Protection from violence, abuse and exploitation is the right of every child. The discussions of young people on Voices of Youth clearly demonstrate their understanding of how crucial a protective environment is towards safeguarding the rights of the child. The dedication and continued commitment of young people towards building a protective environment can be seen in the activities they are engaging in all over the world, their continued drive and their belief in working together to create a world fit for children. Read past VOY newsletters and summaries on Commercial sexual exploitation: February 2003: CSE of children What young people are doing? Be proactive: “Youth Initiative is a leading youth run, youth led NGO in Nepal.” Active volunteers campaign in support of the commercial sex workers who are brutally exploited and harassed by and from police and clients. (boy, >17, Nepal) Positive Attitude: “Anyone, regardless of age, should not have to prostitute their body just so they will be able to eat… even if we only help one child, that’s one life that we changed, one life that we made better. To me that one life would make my life worthwhile.” (girl, 16, United States) Peer support: “…nosotros tenemos como fin ayudar a los jóvenes con problemas como este, el abuso de los niños. Pensamos actuar mandando cartas a las autoridades, reacuadando fondos, haciendo campañas de concientizatión (a nivel más local), terminando con los problemas de discriminación.” (girl, 17, Argentina) Working together: “Young participants developed ‘One Activity Plan against Commercial Sexual Exploitation’ to be implemented in their respective countries. As a result, children from each country came up with action points with responsibilities, accountabilities, and needed resources clearly defined.” (boy, >21, Nepal) What can leaders do? trinidad & tobago We are all responsible: “We are very responsible for making sure that our governments place issues like commercial sex trades on priority lists. What I suggest is that we need to ACTIVELY get involved in the work, for example: a. We can seek mass public petitions on draft legislations to present in governmental meetings to become bills and eventually laws b. We can organize mass education and sensitization on the particular issue that needs addressing by making use of young people, people who have been affected by the situation and even the use of public images c. We can definitely take the bull by the horn and start reporting suspicious actions made by people around us to relevant authorities even if it means going directly to the top. d. We must start dealing with the person in the mirror and decide within ourselves the extent that we are willing to go to address matters and it is only then through active participation… that we will achieve! (boy, >21, Trinidad & Tobago) Voices of Youth http://www.unicef.org/voy/ Since 1995, VOY has focused on exploring the educational and community building potential of the Internet, and facilitating the active and substantive participation of young people on child rights and development related issues. Through web boards, interactive quizzes, youth leadership profiles, live chats and more, Voices of Youth provides more than 20,000 young people from over 180 countries with an opportunity to self-inform, engage in lively debate, and partner—with their peers and decision makers— to create a world fit for children. Rap Song by Kevwe O. Degarson, Nigeria I’m Youth seekin’ respect-k among mi peers I’m also cute but ‘dat will pass away wit’ coming years I heed d’ Truth n’ ‘2’ d’ broken-hearted I lend mi ears I long ‘2’ sooth d’ mournful soul(s) ‘dat cry so many sad tears UNICEFs’ Voices of Youth deserves many cheers ‘4’ I’m no longer mute but heard loud n’ clear as I self express all of reality-beginning from d’ very root of d’ causes of HUMANITY’s Stress thru’ d’ pitfalls, short-comings n’ d’ yet ever-thriving hopes ‘2’ solutions no one can refute capable of causing great visible n’ tangible GLOBAL progress …again I’m Youth d’ pied piper wit’ peaces’ flute enticing ‘U wit’ d’ melody of tranquillity from ‘dis symphony of unity n’ harmony composed n’ orchestrated by charity -dedicated ‘2’ all HUMANITY …I’m peacemaker of a Truth UNICEFs’ Voices of Youth deserves many cheers haven relieved many of their worries n’ cares fulfillin’, n’ realizin’ d’ dreams n’ hopes of many, haven scared away their fears talk is cheap ‘dey say but ‘4’ now-it’s d’ cheapest way ‘2’ greatly inspire positive ACTION- Today! n’ @ least get some-1 ‘2’ say …“No” ‘2’ Wars, n’ “Yes” ‘2’ Peace (-this is HUMANITY’s Creed) Indeed UNICEFs’ Voices of Youth deserve many cheers ‘4’ their effective n’ consistent efforts ‘2’ LIBERATE SOCIETY n’ ADVANCE HUMANITY Commercial sexual exploitation building a protective environment for children “Eight elements of a protective environment” 1. Attitudes, traditions, customs, behavior and practices The environment will not be protective for children in societies where attitudes or traditions facilitate abuse. 2. Governmental commitment to fulfilling protection rights Government commitment to respecting, protecting and fulfilling child protection is an essential element of a protective environment. Governments need to show commitment to creating strong legal frameworks that comply with international legal standards, policies and programmes and enforcing and implementing them to protect children. 3. Open discussion and engagement with child protection issues At the most immediate level, children need to be free to speak up about child protection concerns affecting them or other children. At the national level, media attention and civil society engagement with child protection issues strengthen a protective environment. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) need to take up protection as a priority. The silence must be broken. 4. Protective legislation and enforcement An adequate legislative framework designed to protect children from abuse, its implementation and enforcement are essential elements of a protective environment. 5. The capacity to protect among those around children Health workers, teachers, police, social workers and many others who interact with children need to be equipped with the motivation, skills and authority to identify and respond to child protection abuses. The capacity of families and communities to protect their children is essential in a protective environment. 6. Children’s life skills, knowledge and participation Children are less vulnerable to abuse when they are aware of their right not to be exploited, or of services available to protect them. With the right information, children can draw upon their knowledge, skills and resilience to reduce their risk of exploitation. 7. Monitoring and reporting An effective monitoring system records the incidence and nature of child protection abuses and allows for informed and strategic responses. Such systems are more effective where they are participatory and locally-based. 8. Services for recovery and reintegration Child victims of any form of neglect, exploitation or abuse are entitled to care and non-discriminatory access to basic social services. These services must be provided in an environment that fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child. For more information, visit the UNICEF website http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_action.html See Voices of Youth for more information and join our discussions on Commercial Sexual Exploitation.