The use of the Internet has considerably increased during the last couple of years. While new technologies offer incredible opportunities, they also expose children to online threats such as grooming. What does this really mean? This analysis tries to describe the phenomenon and the new legal provisions recently adopted in Belgium to protect children from online grooming.

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In preparation of the World Cup, the working group “Stop Child Prostitution” launches a new national campaign against the sexual exploitation of children for travelers going to Brazil, specifically to supporters who are attending the World Cup. The sexual exploitation of children is an alarming phenomenon in Brazil. The exceptional rise in tourists during this global event creates an increased risks of the sexual exploitation of children.

The partners of the “Stop Child Prostitution” campaign want to remind the travelers that if, on the spot, they are witnesses of the sexual exploitation of children, they can call the number 100 to directly report all cases of sexual exploitation to the Brazilian authorities. It is also possible to report the cases of sexual exploitation upon arrival in Belgium, or by the Belgian police using the link eCops through the site www.polfed-fedpol.be or through the contact point www.stopchildprostitution.be.

Press Release Stop Child Prostitution (in French)

FAQ World Cup and Child Sex Tourism

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

Belgium has become the 11th country to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (OP3CRC). The State ratified the treaty on 30 May and children and their representatives will be able to bring complaints against Belgium from the 30 August 2014.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure (OP3 CRC) is an international human rights treaty that allows the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (the Committee) to hear complaints alleging that a child’s rights have been violated. Children will only be able to approach the UN if the national legal system has not been able to provide a remedy for the violation.

Belgium has also become the fourth state to accept the “inter-state” communication procedure which will allow one state to bring a complaint against another.

Belgium ratifies OP3CRC

What is OP3CRC

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

In the framework of the Don’t Look Away campaign, a new report on sexual exploitation of children in Brazil has been issued by ECPAT, Free a Girl, Terre des Hommes and Plan Nederland.

It contains updated information on the nature and the extent of sexual exploitation of children in Brazil, mainly focussed on the cities where the tournament takes place.

New report on sexual exploitation of children in Brazil

Click here to access the summary.

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

The Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announced the new law against sexual exploitation of children. She stated that “from now Brasil has a strong legal instrument in the fight against sexual exploitation of children and adolescents”. The law is a response to all complaints and grievances that were expressed by Brazilians over the last years.

This law punishes those who regularly sexually exploit minors and vulnerable people and who promote child prostitution. This new law also integrates higher penalties for these kind of crimes. It was adopted by the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil.

Article: Rousseff applauded a Law condemning sexual exploitation of children

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

The 6th May, the fifth training of the Make-IT-Safe project was held, which enabled the group to discuss the different roman-photos/films established by the youngsters/coaches concerning respect, the right to image, sexting and passwords.

 

During the reunion, the dissemination of the project was discussed as well as the activities for parents and the sustainability of the project. Questionnaires were distributed to the youngsters and their coaches for the establishment of the evaluation made through the project.

 

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Financed by the European Union

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

Under the project “Don’t Look Away”, coordinated by ECPAT France, a new European platform for reporting cases of child sexual exploitation abroad has been created. This website enables individuals to report suspected cases of child sexual exploitation even if they are abroad through providing links to existing national online reporting mechanisms. Where no national reporting mechanism exists, this website will provide alternative information on how to report.

 

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To all  who are travelling: Don’t look away from child exploitation and report suspicious situations! Abusers can be prosecuted and convicted for sexual offenses against children committed abroad also in their home country. Your report matters.

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Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

             

ECPAT Belgique a à cœur de sensibiliser les voyageurs à la problématique de l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants, particulièrement durant les grands événements sportifs. Dans cette optique, ECPAT Belgique est partenaire associé de la campagne européenne “Don’t Look Away” coordonnée par ECPAT France.

Le 4 mars dernier, à 100 jours du coup d’envoi de la Coupe du Monde de football, ECPAT France a présenté les nouveaux visuels de la campagne “Don’t Look Away!”. Les joueurs de football brésiliens Kaká et Juninho se sont unis à cette campagne en prêtant leur image et en lançant un message commun de prévention: « Pendant la Coupe du Monde de football, restez un supporter responsable ».

 

 

Source: ECPAT France

 

 

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

 

Dans le cadre du projet Make-IT-Safe, ECPAT Belgique promeut la sensibilisation des jeunes par les jeunes à une utilisation responsable des nouvelles technologies. Ce projet original vise à faire des jeunes les acteurs de leur propre prévention.

 

 

 

Depuis la parution de la première newsletter en décembre, de nombreuses activités ont été effectuées: nouvelles sessions de formation, réunion internationale à Berlin, finalisation des scénarios pour la création de l’outil de sensibilisation, etc.

Pour découvrir les avancées réalisées, consulter la deuxième newsletter du projet Make-IT-Safe en Belgique.

 

Newsletter Make-IT-Safe Mars 2013

 

 

Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »

 

A l’occasion de la journée mondiale contre l’exploitation sexuelle des enfants, ECPAT Belgique a été invité à participer à l’émission “7 milliards de voisins” sur Radio France International pour parler de son travail, notamment contre le tourisme sexuel impliquant des enfants.

 

7 milliards de voisins

 

L’émission est disponible une semaine via le lien suivant.