This is the main conclusion of the ECPAT Belgium’s report for the Universal Periodic Review undertaken by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Besides harmonizing its legislation to the international treaties regarding child prostitution and pornography, Belgium should enhance its efforts to better identify and protect child victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
Copyright ECPAT Belgique « Stop à l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants »
At the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ECPAT Belgium publishes its Global Monitoring Report on the Status of Action against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Belgium.
In Belgium, the sexual exploitation of children still exists and both foreign-born and Belgian minors are exploited through prostitution, pornography and trafficking.
Despite a robust legal framework and the commitment of the Belgian authorities to end sexual exploitation against children, more can be done to better protect children from these heinous crimes.
ECPAT’s report suggests priority actions urgently needed to proactively advance the national fight against CSEC. These actions include: the adoption of a national plan of action against CSEC; improving the training of front line workers coming into contact with potential CSEC victims; increasing support for victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking; and increasing child and youth participation in the fight against CSEC.
See also our analysis « La Convention pour les droits de l’enfant, 25 ans après : avancées et défis dans la lutte contre l’exploitation sexuelle commerciale des enfants » (in French only) and the Press release.