Mama Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation, concluded an 11-day visit to the country on Friday, where she met with government officials, agencies. United Nations, civil society representatives, religious leaders, diplomats and local. boys and girls.
She commended a recent law requiring social media platforms and internet service providers to step up efforts to combat teen sexual abuse.
Crime detection system
Ms. Singhateh was also encouraged by good practices, such as the operation of a one-stop medical, mental and social welfare services centre, but stressed the need for more action. .
“The Philippines must establish a robust system for crime detection, complaint handling and capacity building of officials and social workers involved in child protection, to provide effective support and rehabilitation. meaning for victims and survivors,” she said. speak.
Rights expert urges governments and stakeholders to step up efforts to combat child trafficking, child marriage, child trafficking through illegal adoptions, child sexual exploitation in the context of tourism and travel, as well as teenage pregnancy.
Supporting vulnerable children
She noted, for example, the lack of clear legislation in the law to punish the sexual exploitation of children in the travel and tourism industry.
“Officials in this area are unlikely to be fully informed about the issues, scope and manifestations of sexual exploitation in the travel and tourism context, they will need training and awareness raising. extensive knowledge of the matter,” she said in statement.
Pointing out the gaps and challenges, Ms. Singhateh recommended building a centralized data accurately disaggregated on cases and cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
She added that more attention needs to be paid to the issue of sexual exploitation in the context of sex tourism and trading.
Authorities are also encouraged to increase support for vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and people from indigenous, ethnic and minority communities.
“It is important to fully allocate resources and adopt a child-centred, trauma-informed, age- and gender-sensitive approach to minimize increased risk,” she said. for vulnerable children.
About the UN Rapporteur
Special Rapporteurs like Ms. Singhateh are appointed by the UN Dong Nhan Quyen Association in Geneva.
These experts are tasked with monitoring and reporting on country-specific situations or thematic issues.
They are independent of any government or organization, operate in their own capacity and are not employees of the United Nations nor are they paid for their work.
Ms. Singhateh will present a report on her findings and recommendations to the Council in March.
