UNICEF urges Montenegro’s authorities to prevent and end sexual abuse and exploitation of children
UNICEF is supporting the police, judiciary, health, education and social and child protection systems, as well as children, families and local communities, to better prevent and respond to violence against children.
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PODGORICA, 13 APRIL 2021 – UNICEF is deeply concerned about recent media reports of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Montenegro and is calling for the authorities to undertake immediate action to prevent and end violence against children.
Silence is not an option. Montenegro’s authorities are responsible for preventing and ensuring zero tolerance towards sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
By being a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and to the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (the Lanzarote Convention), Montenegro has committed itself to providing full protection for every child from sexual abuse and exploitation.
UNICEF is supporting the police, judiciary, health, education and social and child protection systems, as well as children, families and local communities, to better prevent and respond to violence against children. UNICEF is ready to support Montenegro to urgently establish victim support services and a register of perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Changing social norms to break the taboo and fight against the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and exploitation of children is crucial too. Every citizen can contribute to this process of building a culture of zero tolerance towards violence against children.
