The November 18, 2022 marked the observance of the first World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence as United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution for the same.
- The resolution was sponsored by Sierra Leone and Nigeria, and co-sponsored by more than 120 countries. It was adopted by consensus.
Aim:
To end Child Sexual Exploitation and Violence, Bringing Hope and Healing to Survivors
Key Points:
i.The day is committed to raising public awareness of those affected by child sexual abuse, prevent and eliminate child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence; ensuring the access of survivors and victims to justice and remedies; facilitating open discussion on the need to prevent and eliminate their stigmatization, promote their healing, affirm their dignity and protect their rights.
ii.According to UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), children and adolescents under 18 years account for about one in three internet users globally.
- This increases the children’s vulnerability to abuse as one in five girls and one in 13 boys globally are reportedly sexually exploited or abused by the age of 18,
iii.In 2020, UNICRI’s (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute) Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, with support from the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, launched the AI for Safer Children initiative to help tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse online with the help of new technologies, specifically artificial intelligence (AI).
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General – António Guterres
Establishment – 1945
Headquarters – New York, United States (US)
