Protecting children from online sexual exploitation and abuse must continue stronger during COVID19

11 May 2020, Windhoek – The recent newspaper reports about a case of production and dissemination of child sexual abuse material in Namibia is worrisome. It is allegedly happening here in Namibia. The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare and UNICEF have observed with concern the magnitude of this case and the abuse of the most vulnerable members of our society - children. We commend the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security and the Office of the Prosecutor General for their vigilant investigation and swift action to ensure that the children are safe.

Global evidence tells us that sexual predators seek out children where they are – at playgrounds, youth clubs, schools, at their homes and online. They groom them into a relationship of friendship that soon turns into abuse and exploitation. Survivors are often ashamed to tell anyone, feel guilty or are afraid they will be blamed. The best way to protect our children is to make them aware of the risks and encourage them to talk to someone they trust if something happens to them. “We should never blame a victim for what happened to them. Only when children confide in us, can we help them, prosecute the perpetrator and prevent further exploitation and abuse,” says Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Hon. Doreen Sioka.

In a matter of months, COVID-19 has upended the lives of children and families across the globe and in Namibia. With school closures and movement restrictions, children’s routine and support systems have changed. Global evidence shows that during these unprecedented times the safety of children can be compromised – underscoring the importance of collective response to closely monitor children’s safety, offline and online.

“Our experience across the globe tells us that in any emergency, increased rates of abuse, violence and exploitation of children occur,” said the Representative of UNICEF Namibia, Ms. Rachel Odede. “The situation is worse for children who are not closely supervised and those who live in overcrowded settings are particularly at risk.”

Since independence, Namibia has taken the protection of children very seriously by ratifying the UN Convention on the rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welafre of the Child (ACRWC). It implies that Namibia is committed to fulfil all obligations towards the well-being of children as stipulated in the above mentioned treaties.

Namibia has also enacted some progressive pieces of legislation, such as the Child Care and Protection Act, 2015 (Act No. 3 of 2015); Combating of Rape Act, 2000 (Act No. 8 of 2000); Combating of Immoral Practices Amendment Act, 2000 (Act No. 7 of 2000); Domestic Violence Act, 2003, Act No. 4 of 2003) amongst others aiming at child protection... In 2016 it joined the We PROTECT Global Alliance to End Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Online, and relevant Ministries, NGOs, academia, mobile and internet service providers have joined hands in a national task force on child online protection to implement a national response.

Namibia with support from UNICEF and other UN agencies have since strengthened the capacity of the GBV Protection Division, High Profile Crimes Division, Cybercrime Unit to investigate cases of online and offline child exploitation abuse and case management thereof. In total over 70% of all GBV Protection Units police officers, prosecutors and magistrates in Namibia have been trained to date in child-friendly investigation and interviewing. Social Workers attached to the GBVPU were also trained and are better able to support victims to access justice and provide counselling.

Still, the worrisome emergence of online child sexual exploitation and abuse encroaches on the progress that has been made, and urges us to do more, including closing some legal gaps – through the Cybercrime Bill or a specific piece of legislation as is done in other countries. “The Government takes this very seriously, “says Hon. Doreen Sioka, “And I call on everyone to do what they can to fight this gross violation of our children’s rights. Talk to your children, make them aware of the risks and help them access justice and counselling, if anything happens to them. Please report any child sexual abuse

material you come across to your nearest GBVPU or at the online reporting portal or Helpline/Childline 106 or 116 hosted on Lifeline Childline’s website.”

For more information please contact Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare:

1. Ms. Esther Lusepani, [email protected]; Tel: 061-2833202
2. Ms. Helena Andjamba; [email protected]; Tel: 061-2833167

# Note to media

It is important to report any Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) to the Police, whether online or offline, for 3 reasons:

1. it enables law enforcement and social services to trace the child victim and provide adequate support;
2. it enables law enforcement (nationally and through international cooperation) to trace and prosecute the perpetrator(s); and
3. it allows for the content to be taken offline to prevent continued abuse and distribution of the material.

Any CSAM found on the internet’s public domain can also be reported to the Online Reporting Portal hosted by Lifeline/Childline

More information on child protection during COVID-19

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/keep-your-child-safe-online-at-home-covid-19