Global Action, Commitment and Solidarity November 2011, Paris, France

Transcription

1 Global Action, Commitment and Solidarity 8-10 November 2011, Paris, France

2 The This publication was compiled by staff of ECPAT International. Photo and Design: Manida Naebklang December, 2011 Copyright ECPAT International ECPAT International 328 Phayathai Road, Ratchathewi Bangkok Tel: , , , Fax: info@ecpat.net Website:

3 ECPAT International Assembly 8-10 November 2011, Paris, France Global Action, Commitment and Solidarity

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Official Agenda 2 Welcoming and Opening Remarks 4 Keynote Speaker 8 Day 1 Tuesday 8 November 2011 Thematic Panels - Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships 8 - Information, Communication Technology (ICT) and Online Exploitation of Children 12 - Trafficking of Children 14 - Working with the Media 15 - Collaboration with Law Enforcement 16 - Reducing Demand 17 - Advocacy-oriented Research 18 - Experiences in Social Reintegration of CSEC Survivors 19 Day 2 Wenesday 9 November 2011 Thematic Panels - Child and Youth Participation 20 - Child Sex Tourism 23 - Model Laws on CSEC 25 - Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Boys 27 Plenary Sessions - The ECPAT Journey: A Network to Protect Children 28 - Network Development 29 - Branding as a Network Asset 31 - Presentation on the New Optional Protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 32 - Council of Europe (CoE) Trafficking Campaign 34 Concluding Session - Keynote Speech 35 - Closing Remarks 37 Day 3 Thursday 109 November 2011 GOVERNANCE - The Moderator 38 - New ECPAT Network Members 39 - Report of the Chair 40 - Report of the Treasurer 41 - Report of the Secretary 43 - Report of the Executive Director 43 - Stretegic Directions 45 - Board Election 46 - EICYAC Election 47 MINUTES OF ECPAT INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUSINESS DAY 48 PRE MEETINGS : - Africa Regional Meeting 53 - Youth Participation Meeting 56 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 58

5 INTRODUCTION ECPAT International convenes an International Assembly every three years to review the network s governance and strategic priorities, and to exchange information and good practices in combatting the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). Copies of presentations available at The Assembly culminates in the election of a new ECPAT International Board of Trustees, and endorses new strategic directions. ECPAT International s fifth International Assembly was held in Paris, France 8-10 November 2011 hosted by ECPAT France. This year, we warmly welcome the participation of partners from Acting for Life at the Assembly. The theme of the 2011 ECPAT International Assembly was Global Action, Commitment, and Solidarity. These words exemplify ECPAT s mission to agressively fight against child prostitution, child pornography, and child trafficking for sexual purposes, and to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. The International Assembly is a forward looking event where ECPAT as a global network can address bigger questions about our strengths, challenges and abilities in an environment which poses increased insecurity for children. It is also a time to re-confirm who we are and what we stand for. Particularly as we look at the network s support for the implementation of the Rio Declaration and Call to Action Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (2008), we confirm through the quality of our Global Action, Commitment, and Solidarity, that we are up to the task. 1 The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a fundamental violation of human rights and children s rights. The key element is that this violation of children and their rights arises through a commercial transaction of some sort. That is, there is an exchange in which one or more parties gain a benefit cash, goods or kind from the exploitation for sexual purposes of someone under the age of 18.

6 OFFICIAL AGENDA Tuesday November 8, 2011 *Also included parallel programme for Acting for Life global partners. OPEN TO OBSERVERS AND GUESTS 07:30-09:00 Registration 09:00-09:30 Opening Session: Welcome Remarks, Mr. Philippe Chevillard and Mr. Jean-Marie Joly, ECPAT France Opening Remarks, Ms. Maureen Crombie, ECPAT International Keynote Speaker: 09:30-10:00 Ms. Najat M jid Maalla, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography 10:00-10:30 Coffee Break 10:30-12:00 Thematic Panel: Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships (The Body Shop, ACCOR Hotel, Air France, The CODE, ECPAT Sweden s work with the Financial Sector) 12:00-13:30 Lunch 13:30-15:30 Concurrent Thematic Workshops: Sharing Good Practices and Lessons Learned ICT and On-Line Exploitation of Children Trafficking of Children Working with the Media Linkages between CSEC and HIV/AIDS 15:30-16:00 Coffee Break 16:00-18:00 Concurrent Workshops: Collaboration with Law Enforcement against CSEC Advocacy-Oriented Research Reducing Demand Experiences in Social Reintegration of CSEC Survivors Wednesday November 9, 2011 OPEN TO OBSERVERS AND GUESTS 07:30-09:00 Breakfast Meeting: For current ECPAT International Board of Trustees and persons nominated for election to the ECPAT International Board 09:00-11:00 Concurrent Thematic Workshops: Sharing Good Practices and Lessons Learned Child and Youth Participation Child Sex Tourism Model Laws on CSEC Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Boys 11:00-11:30 Coffee Break 11:30-13:00 Regional Meetings Coordinated by EI Staff 13:00-14:15 Lunch 14:15-14:45 The ECPAT Journey: A Network to Protect Children by Mr. Ron O Grady, ECPAT International Honorary President 14:45-15:45 Network Development Presentation by Mr. Cornelius Murombedzi and Myriam Horngren, INTRAC 15:45-16:15 Coffee Break 16:15-16:45 Branding as a Network Asset Presentation by Mr. Andreas Astrup, General Manager, The Code 16:45-17:15 Presentation on the New Optional Protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Children by Mr. Jaap E. Doek, former UN CRC Committee Chair 17:15-17:45 Council of Europe Secretariat Presentation on Trafficking Campaign by Ms. Tiina-Maria Levamo, Programme Adviser 2

7 17:45-18:15 Concluding Session: Key Note Speaker: Ms. Marta Santos Pais, UN Secretary General s Special Representative on Violence against Children 18:15-18:30 Concluding Remarks: Chair ECPAT International Ms. Maureen Crombie Thursday November 10, 2011 CLOSED TO OBSERVERS AND GUESTS 08:30-9:00 The Opening Welcome and Introduction of New Members Introduction and Approval of the Moderator Approval of the Proposed Standing Orders Approval of the Agenda Apologies Adoption of Minutes from the 4th ECPAT International Assembly 09:00-10:15 ECPAT International Board of Trustees: Report from the Chair Report from the Treasurer Report from the Secretary Reports of the Regional and Youth Representatives Proposal from the Board Decision-making: Proposal to Nominate the Chairperson for Re-election 10:15-10:45 Coffee Break 10:45-12:00 Standing Committees: Legal and Constitutional Finance and Audit Credentials Disciplinary Decision-making: Constitution and Bylaws: Proposed Amendments 12:00-13:00 Lunch 13:00-14:30 ECPAT International Secretariat: Report of the Executive Director ECPAT International Strategic Directions Presentation Decision-making: ECPAT International Strategic Directions : Approval 14:30-15:00 General Business 15:00-15:30 Coffee Break 15:30-16:00 ECPAT International Child and Youth Advisory Committee: Presentation of EICYAC Representatives 16:00-17:00 Election: Nominations/Election Sub-Committee Report Presentations by Nominees for the Board of ECPAT International Officers: Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer Regional and Youth Representatives 17:00-17:45 Recognitions: Honorary Guests ECPAT International Achievements Farewell Outgoing-Board Members Vote of Thanks 17:45-18:00 Conclusion of the day 3

8 WELCOMING AND OPENING REMARKS Delegates and participants to the received a formal welcome from the President of ECPAT France, Mr Philippe Chevillard and also from the Secretary General, Mr Jean- Marie Joly. Maureen Crombie Chair of the ECPAT International Board of Trustees opened the Assembly and gave special thanks to the donors and partners that made the organisation of the 5th International Assembly possible. We extend thanks to Air France, Cordaid, the European Commission, International Child Support, Irish Aid, Oak Foundation, the Swedish International Development Agency, The Body Shop, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, ECPAT France and ECPAT Luxembourg. Phillipe Chevillard, President and Jean-Marie Joly, Secretary General give welcoming remarks from ECPAT France. Maureen Crombie, Chairperson of the ECPAT International Board of Trustees opens the Assembly 4

9 5 Board members: Maria-Eugenia Villareal, Katherina Levchenko, Rosalind Prober.

10 KEYNOTE SPEAKER Dr Najat M Jid Maalla, the Special Rapporteur Dr Najat M jid Maalla, Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography provided an overview of the current situation of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), as set in the context of international agreements, protocols and legal frameworks for the protection of children s rights. It was noted that in 2011, ten years after the adoption of the Optional Protocol for the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and three years since the third World Congress, children are still not adequately protected from sexual exploitation. CSEC and its diverse manifestations are connected to the trade of children, forced labour, slavery and armed conflict, yet CSEC itself is not well defined as a problem. Recent trends identified in the manifestations of this heinous crime include the increasingly violent nature of child pornography and the abuse of increasingly younger children. A greater understanding of the role of gender is required to tackle the instance of abuse of boys as their situation is exacerbated by additional social, cultural and even legislative barriers. The continued risk of HIV/AIDS is also a significant challenge with exploited children, as they are hightly vulnerable to infection and often unable to seek treatment. The risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is also making paedophiles and sex offenders target younger children and even change their travel destinations to more remote areas to seek out children. Protecting children from commercial sexual exploitation is fraught with difficulties. The real scale of the problem is unknown due to its clandestine nature and there are a variety of barriers-social, cultural and legislative; the latter including weak or poorly enforced legislation, and the criminalisation of children themselves. The private sector can play an important role in combating the exploitation of children in the travel and tourism sector, and in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)-related businesses. 6

11 It was noted that a common and harmonised global legal framework would better protect children from sexual exploitation, and help overcome the difficulties of differing quality of national legislation, which leaves children vulnerable. As a UN Special Rapporteur, Dr M Jid Maalla works closely with NGOs like ECPAT, sharing a common vision of the protection of children s rights and reinforcing ECPAT s work through her own advocacy activities. Finally, some recommendations were offered to the ECPAT network: continued development of partnerships with other NGOs and the private sector; work to tackle the demand factors; advocate for measures to enhance prosecutions; and, implement efforts to reinforce the capacities of children and young people to protect themselves and their peers. 7 Dr Najat M Jid Maalla takes the stage in the opening plenary session, with almost 200 delegates and observers in attendance

12 DAY 1 Tuesday 8 November 2011 Thematic Panel Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships Presenters: Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman, Air France-KLM and CEO, Air France Mathhias Leisinger, Chair, The CODE and Head Corporate Social Responsibility, Kuoni Group Christopher Davies, International Campaigns Director, The Body Shop Sophie Flak, Executive Vice President Academies and Sustainable Development, ACCOR Helena Karlen, Secretary General, ECPAT Sweden Carmen Madriñan, Doctoral Candidate for the Irish Centre for Human Rights (Moderator) 8 ECPAT sees cooperation with the private sector as an important strategy for the protection of the rights of the children, and for two decades has been a leader in promoting duty of care by all sectors of society. The panel showcased some of the successful partnerships and tailored strategies between ECPAT and the private sector to uphold the right of children to protection Presentations were delivered by Air France, Accor hotels, The Body Shop and the Kuoni Group, demonstrating the importance of the integration of child protection measures into business operations as well as collaborative partnerships with civil society. Responsible businesses are looking for strategic partners for social change. They understand that their customers want them to make a social impact through their spending, and believe that CSR is particularly relevant in the protection of human rights. The Kuoni Group is a signatory to The Code of Conduct for protecting children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. They believe that ethical behaviours and principles are crucial to the effective delivery of their business model. All Kuoni employees are required to sign and comply by an employee code of conduct, which includes a zero tolerance for CSEC. As a business, Kuoni has three key external priorities - supply chain management, human rights, and Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Air France. Photo from:

13 environmental stewardship. They require a code of conduct for their suppliers which also includes zero tolerance for CSEC. Child protection is therefore integrated into the daily operations of the Kuoni business. The Body Shop explained the beginnings of the global campaign with ECPAT and how human rights activism was a core principle for the founder of The Body Shop, Dame Anita Roddick. Within the business model of The Body Shop there are five core values: activate self esteem, anti-animal testing, protection of the planet, support to community trade and the defence of human rights. In choosing to work with ECPAT on the global Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People campaign, The Body Shop was drawn to ECPAT s unique knowledge and willingness to share expertise. The campaign developed into a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy including public mobilisation, advocating for policy change at a national level and income generation for ECPAT activities to protect vulnerable children and victims. Air France has been aware for a long time that their flights may be used by those who seek to exploit children. This is contrary to the purpose of air travel, which should be to help people to connect and learn about new cultures and places. In focussing on the prevention of child sex tourism, there was an initial concern that this would suggest that customers were perpetrators of crimes against children. However, with the screening of awareness-raising videos on Air France flights, Air France began changing public opinion and improving their understanding on the sexual exploitation of children. Corporate Social Responsibility is one of the key concerns we have worldwide Carmen Madriñan For Accor, the key values of people, planet and performance guide their business, ensuring that their activities are both sustainable and socially responsible. Supporting the Code of Conduct is a key strategy to achieving socially responsible business. Raising awareness, educating and empowering their employees to prevent and report instances of sexual exploitation of children, together with detailed operating procedures ensures that their properties are not misused by those seeking to exploit children. Accor is also exploring other ways of supporting CSEC survivors and those from disadvantaged communities through employment and training opportunities within the Accor business. ECPAT Sweden has an extensive history working with the private sector, which over recent years has included collaboration with the finance sector. This began through 9

14 a detailed analysis of the national situation in Sweden, a predominantly wealthy country with many people travelling internationally, and identified instances of demand for sex with children. Working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and financial institutions, ECPAT Sweden s work seeks to target the profitability of child pornography and increase the difficulty to access websites containing such content. Currently, 85% of ISPs in Sweden collaborate through formal agreements to block access to child pornographic websites. Until recently, there were approximately 50,000 attempts a day to access child pornography online. A direct result of the work with police and ISPs has seen the number reduced significantly. Companies want to work with NGOs who will integrate knowledge Christopher Davis In June 2007, the European Banking Federation took a strong position against child pornography on the Internet. This position statement was used by ECPAT Sweden as the impetus to secure cooperation from Swedish banking institutions. The Swedish Financial Coalition, which coordinates action to prevent and obstruct payments for child pornography now consists of 19 members, including all of the major banks in Sweden. Throughout this strategy of private sector engagement, ECPAT Sweden has never solicited financial support from these partners, as they believe it may impede their flexibility in advocacy. In summarising the discussion, the moderator suggested that businesses are looking for strategic partners for social change, as opposed to simply making charitable contributions. There is massive consumer interest in supply chains, how and where products are produced, what impact these products have on the environment and communities, and in particular an interest in a products relationship to human rights. Socially responsible businesses have realised that their customers want to make a social impact through their spending, and believe they can do so when it comes to the protection of human rights. This is linked in many ways with brand and reputation management as well as the expectation by a growing number of consumers that businesses must also be socially responsible. The private sector acknowledges its role in protecting children and the need for collaboration and partnership in this goal. 10 Panelists pictured are: Helena Karlen, Carmen Madriñan, Sophie Flak, Christopher Davis and Matthias Leisinger.

15 Together we can help identify strong solutions to address the sexual exploitation of children Jean-Cyril Spinetta 11

16 Thematic Panel Information, Communication Technology (ICT) and Online Exploitation of Children Presenters: Jonathan Ssembajwe, Youth Representative to the ECPAT Board of Trustees Milena Grillo, Paniamor Costa Rica Joanna Lundquist, ECPAT Sweden Celine Verheijen ECPAT Netherlands Patricia Cartes, Facebook Gabrielle Shaw, Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) This session sought to increase the understanding of a complex and emerging issue and demonstrate, through innovative practices, how collaborative and multi-sector approaches protect children online, particularly in light of young people s behaviour in this rapidly changing environment. The session highlighted the importance of interventions from a variety of stakeholders in different sectors, and described different regional approaches. A study conducted on the use of ICT by young people in Africa showed that technologies are increasingly implemented and used without true consideration for safeguarding children and this is increasingly the case as the social networking space expands and the protection framework is largely missing. The study also highlighted the need for evidence-based and scientific data collection on child safety online, which has so far been lacking. The advancement of mobile phone usage highlights the need to include the mobile operators and their services in intervention strategies. The presenter from Costa Rica stressed the need for rights-based interventions, and noted that governments of the region see access to information technology as part of their national mandates, and as a fundamental right for individuals. Indeed, across Latin America, ICT use is expanding at an unprecedented rate. For instance, usage in Costa Rica has grown by 211% since 2000 (the largest growth in the region), and ICT access is promoted as national policy by the governments of Chile, Columbia and Argentina. This presentation also described the importance of scientific research in understanding this complex and ever-changing context. One study on the use of ICT by children highlighted the issues of ICT-related violence, children as perpetrators, and lack of understanding on how children engage with technologies. 12

17 The session also presented the need for Internet hotlines, examining how they should be setup and identifying key points to be considered in hotline management. ECPAT Sweden and ECPAT Netherlands presented their hotline models, both of which stressed the need for standardised operational guidelines and close collaboration with law enforcement and ISPs. Several other successful ICT focused projects were presented, including Sweden s work with the Financial Coalition for combating child abuse images by effectively stopping the misuse of payment systems. Facebook also showcased their work on education and safety in user operations. The approach is to promote empowerment as an important prevention strategy. A global safety advisory board has been created for Facebook s on-line safety education page. Recommendations Collaboration between and among stakeholders was strongly endorsed. Social media spaces should also be recognised as important spaces where child protection actors should be present, including ECPAT. Facebook is keen to engage with the ECPAT network, to actively protect child users. Scientific and evidence-based research is very much required and investment should be made into ensuring ECPAT members retain the most up to date expertise. There are many good practices, studies and methodologies that can be replicated, without starting from scratch. Hotlines should be promoted more strongly within the ECPAT network. 13 CEOP presented the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) model, which identifies, locates and safeguards children from online risks globally. The need for collaboration between law enforcement, NGOs and ISPs was emphasised. Law enforcement must engage with social media because of its appeal among young people, and its potential as an effective platform to both track offenders and to offer assistance to victims. The presentation also shared changes in patterns of offending and increasing use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks and The Onion Router (TOR) by offenders. Joanna Lundquist, ECPAT Sweden and Celina Verheijen, ECPAT Netherlands

18 Thematic Panel Trafficking of Children Presenters: Megan Briede, Child Welfare South Africa Priya Sherpa, YPP Nepal Dolores Alforte, ECPAT Philippines Kristy Fleming, Child Wise Australia This session sought to highlight good practices and results related to the Calls to Action under the ECPAT and The Body Shop global campaign to Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People. The Calls to Action focus on prevention, protection and provision of care services in 41 countries. Presenters highlighted the Calls to Action in their countries and shared experiences about how campaigning can be used as a powerful tool for raising awareness and combating child sex trafficking. The collaboration between Child Welfare South Africa, the South African government and FIFA to protect children against trafficking during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa was highlighted. Discussions focused on the success and limitation of the approach so as to improve models of child protection for future major sporting events. ECPAT Philippines shared their strategies in engaging national and local government agencies in the Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People campaign. They were able to influence the city of Santa Rosa to adopt the campaign. Furthermore, the petition was personally received by the President. A youth motivator from Nepal shared how the campaign empowered Nepali youth to be advocates against child trafficking in local communities, collecting over 50,000 petitions and providing recommendations to government officials, including the President of Nepal. Lastly, Child Wise Australia shared the lessons learned and strategies from the implementation of a project working directly with at-risk children in their communities in order to prevent them from falling victim to sex trafficking. Recommendations Guidelines should be developed for the ECPAT network to protect children during major sporting events, informed by lessons learned in South Africa. ECPAT groups must develop allies and contacts that can help facilitate access to key stakeholders in order to support initiatives within the local communities, such as working with FIFA in South Africa, and with the city of Santa Rosa to adopt a anti-trafficking campaign. For campaigns to have high impact, child and youth participation should be encouraged within initiatives, especially in the planning and development stage. 14

19 Thematic Panel Working with the Media Presenters: Deborah Zanke, Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada Christine Beddoe, ECPAT UK Denisse Araya, Raices Chile Antonio Cruz Marroquin Gomez, ECPAT Guatemala This session was an opportunity to share ideas and experiences on how sustained collaborations with the media can be forged to bring attention to the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children within a rights-based framework. The importance of identifying original yet appropriate stories for the media was highlighted. The use of testimonies can be a powerful tool to help the public understand the issues involved in CSEC, but it is imperative that former victims be treated sensitively and that the stories be accurate and concrete. The use of social marketing was discussed and collaboration with the media in building a strong recognisable brand was emphasised. Relationships with the media need to be targeted with the right contact for each story. Recommendations Building a strong media contact list is important, even if it takes time. Identifying survivors who are willing to share their story should be done carefully but proactively, and these stories should be presented to select journalists in a targeted and sensitive way. The media should be regarded as clients; we should work on creative, story-based ways to attract their attention and support their need to inform and engage audiences. 15 Deborah Zanke from Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada describes how mutuality is a basis for a partnership between civil society and the media

20 Thematic Panel Collaboration with Law Enforcement Presenters: Gabrielle Shaw, UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and the Virtual Global Taskforce Magali Fabre, ECPAT France Thierry Boulouque, Minor Protection Unit of Paris This session shared experience, lessons learned and current trends and patterns of online offending. The session discussed good practices to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children within the framework of collaboration between children s rights organisations, civil society and law enforcement agencies. A presentation was given on the role and responsibilities of the UK Child Exploitation and On-line Protection Centre (CEOP), including an overview of their significant achievements. The importance of education and innovation in protecting children online was highlighted, as well as the challenges of adapting quickly enough to this environment. CEOP has developed the widely successful ClickCEOP tool intended to deter online offenders, empower children and reassure parents and care givers. Recommendations The ClickCEOP tool should be expanded to other countries where possible. However, this should only be done where follow through is possible. CSEC should be included on the training curriculum of police forces. CEOP should instigate dialogue with providers of peer-to-peer software. Cooperation with other actors (including both government and social) to secure convictions of child traffickers should be prioritised. ECPAT France should disseminate its training tool and conduct training sessions based on their guide. ECPAT France gave a presentation on their new child protection manual produced in collaboration with the Minor Protection Unit of Paris which will be tested over the forthcoming months. The Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) is a global law enforcement alliance. Its membership includes law enforcement, NGO and private sector actors; ECPAT is an NGO partner. Gabrielle Shaw, UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT). VGT membership includes various law enforcement agencies and NGO partners, such as ECPAT. 16

21 Thematic Panel Reducing Demand Presenters: Alan Bell, Child ALERT New Zealand Deborah Zanke, Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada The Rio Call to Action highlights the insufficient focus on measures to reduce and eliminate demand for sex with children; it also draws attention to the fact that some states have inadequate sanctions against sexual abusers of children. This session sought to highlight the issue of demand and how the ECPAT network might strengthen their approach in this regard. Strategies include how to communicate the issue publicly to reduce demand for sexual exploitation of children and how to engage men and boys in changing attitudes and behaviours that can lead to sexual exploitation. Alan Bell highlighted the importance of recognising and taking Demand is an emphatic claim, which presumes that no doubt exists regarding its legal force and effect an entitlement. It is a request made with authority. Alan Bell into account the demand side of sexual exploitation - an area that receives very little attention from policy-makers and NGOs. Deborah Zanke discussed the Man to Man Campaign in Canada, which acknowledged the centrality of men to issues of CSEC, and identified innovative and rigorous tactics to identify pre-offending child sexual abusers. The campaign also focused on harnessing the media to draw attention to an apparent social tolerance, and the need for all sectors of society to be engaged. Recommendations Groups should build on models such as the Stop it Now campaign, which provides treatment for sexual offenders and those who are sexually aroused by children or those who have special interest in children. Studies on sexual violence should be conducted as evidence suggests that sexual violence declines when awareness is promoted with in society. ECPAT should engage with marketing companies. There is a need to reach out to engage with men and boys and demonstrate positive role models. 17

22 Thematic Panel Advocacy-oriented Research Presenters: Priya Sherpa, Youth Partnership Project, Nepal Denisse Araya Castelli, ONG Raices Chile Christine Beddoe, ECPAT UK 18 Recognising that sound research data is often a key prerequisite for successful advocacy, this session focussed on building the capacity of the ECPAT network to improve the formulation of research questions, data collection methodologies, analytical techniques, and the effective use of research to achieve evidence-based advocacy outcomes at the national and regional level. The YPP representative from Nepal highlighted the unique benefits of involving children and youth in advocacy-oriented research, both for the project and for the children and youth themselves. Children and youth gain research, advocacy, and communications skills. Child and Youth Participation (CYP) also serves to build more effective research projects focused on children s issues, as child researchers are likely to elicit better responses from child subjects while also contributing unique insight into project design because of direct knowledge of the relevant issues. ECPAT UK demonstrated how a simple problem tree can be used to identify the causes and effects of complex problems and reveal the information needed to convince policymakers to act. ECPAT UK successfully used this approach to build a compelling lobby with Parliamentarians and convince Parliament to close a loophole in British law that previously allowed convicted sex offenders to travel abroad without informing UK authorities as long as the trip was less than three days. The presenter from ONG Raices Chile provided an overview of her experience of engaging a range of stakeholders through a Participatory Action approach in order to view and document the various manifestations of CSEC from a gender perspective. This approach sought to build knowledge and draw conclusions through discussion between the interviewer and interviewee rather than simply extracting information for the researcher to make their own conclusions. This methodology provides a more sophisticated and personal perspective on the issues and may be more effective in targeted advocacy. Recommendations Research scope should be narrow and focused yet intensive and systematic. Cross-border law enforcement cooperation should be encouraged through a global campaign to improve the enforcement of child sex tourism laws. ECPAT network should consider ways of increasing collaboration to improve the quality and increase the scope of research.

23 Thematic Panel Experiences in Social Reintegration of CSEC Survivors Presenters: Maia Rusakova, Stellit Russia Roop Sen, Acting for Life South Asia Li-Feng Lee, ECPAT Taiwan Itrat Jahan, ACD Bangladesh Every year thousands of children that have been trafficked for sexual purposes get rescued from brothels and other venues around the world. Many of them are kept in institutional care until they can be returned to their families or countries of origin, but little or no support or reintegration systems are put in place to help these victims overcome their traumatic experiences. to promote independent living for survivors through the reintegration process. The project helps survivors build life skills and offers them transitional accommodation, education and work skills to help break the cycle of exploitation. Recommendations 19 This session highlighted experiences and strategies of effective rehabilitation and social reintegration of CSEC survivors through the presentation of case studies. In India, an evidence-based research project into the sex trafficking of girls Where have all the flowers gone? takes an approach of restoration and justice. In Bangladesh, an innovative project aims to address the short and long-term integration needs through targeted activities for survivors, including job assistance, counselling and community mobilisation. The Girls Independent Living Project (since 2004) in Taiwan highlights the need for a number of approaches within shelters in order ECPAT should encourage the use of more restorative practices and ensure individual survivors needs are met. Greater coordination between agencies is needed, especially since survivors return to other geographical provinces or regions. Time spent within an institution should be minimised wherever possible. Groups need to find ways to address the lack of fully trained and available staff, which has been identified as a principle challenge in supporting survivors. There is a greater call for youth participation in project/programme design. Stop speaking for me; start speaking with me. research participant, Where have all the flowers gone? Acting for Life India

24 DAY 2 Wednesday 9 November 2011 Thematic Workshops Child and Youth Participation Presenters: Eugenia Maxim, CCF Moldova Narissara Yebeo, ECPAT Foundation Thailand Grace Adjei, ECPAT UK Temitope Adeyoke, ECPAT UK Anna-Maria Kramchenkova, Russian Alliance Against CSEC Amie Jobe, CPA Gambia This session showcased innovative strategies for awareness-raising and advocacy against CSEC, as well as a peer-to-peer approach to child protection based on the Youth Partnership Programme (YPP) experiences. The workshop was youth-led and demonstrated how participation processes empower children to be effective agents of change, allowing them to strengthen their capacities to take a leading role in advocating for their own protection and of their peers from commercial sexual exploitation. in order to keep the youth interested and motivated. Moreover, transfer of knowledge and skills was another key issue raised as a challenge. Therefore, it is important to ensure older youth are training younger ones to ensure sustainability of the YPP activities and strategies. The session began with a presentation on the YPP experience from Moldova, outlining the process they follow to reach out to and mobilise large groups of at-risk youth. It was highlighted that strategies for recruitment of young people into YPP need to be complemented by those that focus on capacity building as well as socialisation Amie Job, Youth Motivator, CPA-Gambia, explains the importance of child and youth participation. 20

25 The representative from YPP Thailand talked about the need to adapt different types of activities and strategies for different target groups in discussing sensitive topics. Emphasis was placed on developing activities according to age, gender, education and background. Within YPP Thailand, the Peer Supporters divide the community in three different target groups - children, teenagers and adults, and plan different activities according to the needs and interests of each group. For example, the Peer Supporters will use media such as picture books and story telling with the children; films, role plays and case studies etc. with the teenagers; and mobile theatre and focused group discussions with adults in the community to encourage discussion of child rights and child protection. The UK presented work they have been doing since 2008 with victims of CSEC, supporting them and engaging with them to develop prevention practices. The UK introduced ten basic steps that should be taken into account when working with victims of CSEC such as building trust, offering them a safe place to live and meet, and being flexible (such as providing transportation money, and offering a space for youth to bring their young children.) YPP Gambia talked about intergenerational dialogue and its challenges, based on their experience in organising a round table where children, parents, teachers, police officers, government officials and other stakeholders sit together to discuss issues affecting children. For the first time, these children had the opportunity to be listened to by adults, in a culture where children must always respect their elders and never contradict them. 21 Eugenia Maxim, Jonathan Ssembajwe, Temitope Adekoya present strategies for awareness raising advocacy and peer to peer sharing

26 The Russian Federation launched a youth movement in 2009, and a youth presenter described the genesis, curent activities and how the initiative has changed the life of the young beneficiaries, who prior to their participation spent most of their time drinking in the streets.now these young people are organising activities for children and youth to raise awareness on CSEC so others can have a safer and healthier future. Recommendations Child and youth participation is a right of all young people, not a select few; therefore, it needs to be mainstreamed into all policies and programmes affecting young people. Meaningful participation can only be realised when adults are trained alongside the children so that they learn to work in partnership and respect each other. When working with young people affected by CSEC, we need to ensure that there is adequate support for their care and protection. Child protection policies and guidelines must ensure the highest standards of professional and personal practice in the work with children and must always consider the best interests of the children. There is an urgent need to develop strategies for social reintegration for child victims once they reach 18, so that they can make a smooth transition into independent living. Disabled youth should also be taken into account, as they are considered to be at high risk of exploitation. Good practices on CYP, such as the Youth Partnership Programme (YPP) and other innovative initiatives on child and youth participation, should be shared globally throughout the ECPAT network. Participants: Antonio Cruz Marroquin Gomez and Denisse Araya Castelli. 22

27 Thematic Panel Child Sex Tourism Presenters: Celine Verheijen, ECPAT Netherlands Dolores Alforte, ECPAT Philippines Carol Smolenski, ECPAT USA Ariane Couvreur, ECPAT Belgium Mechtild Maurer and Astrid Winkler, ECPAT Germany, ECPAT Austria and ECPAT Switzerland The session sought to share strategies, good practice and lessons learned from ECPAT groups collaboration with the tourism sector in implementing The Code of Conduct to Protect Children against Sexual Exploitation and other initiatives to protect children from child sex tourism. Dissemination will help groups overcome challenges and strengthen the ECPAT network s efforts to collaborate with the private sector to combat child sex tourism. ECPAT Netherlands highlighted their anti- CST project that focuses on the Netherlands as a sending country with five destination countries in Asia. Through training with tour operators and hotels in implementing The Code, there is a greater awareness among tourism professionals of the problem, and also increased reporting at destinations. in addressing a societal problem. Two recent successes include Hilton Hotels and Delta Airlines signing on to the Code. The final presenters described their campaigns against child sex tourism. ECPAT Belgium designed a multi-stakeholder Stop child prostitution/child sex tourism campaign and explained how each agency/partner institutionalised elements of child protection in their mandate. ECPAT Austria, Germany and Switzerland collaborated on the Trinational campaign against child sex tourism and discussed the challenges each country faced due to external factors. The campaign, however, achieved great success in generating public awareness and there is the possibility of expansion into other countries in Europe. 23 ECPAT Philippines presented their initiative in Boracay and discussed how to effectively engage the local community at destination in strategies to combat child sex tourism. ECPAT USA explained their strategies in engaging US travel and tour companies to join The Code. Many in the sector have been reluctant for fear that customers draw a link between their businesses and sex tourism. ECPAT USA has been effective in communicating that the issue is really about all sectors taking their responsibility seriously Participant, Indrani Sinha, SANLAAP, India

28 Recommendations Perseverance, determination and patience is required in building relationships with travel and tour companies. They need to understand a rights-based approach and see their responsibility within a sector where unfortunately offenders make use of travel infrastructure. Local government is an important actor. Successful campaigns, like Stop Trafficking campaign in the Philippines, was able to influence government to convene an anti-cst Committee in Boracay. Another important partnership is with the media. The above campaigns showed the importance of construction of clear and consistent messaging to increase engagement by the media in supporting the campaigns Trafficking initiatives are best addressed when a sending and destination relationship can be identified and stakeholders on both sides can be mobilised to conduct complimentary anti-cst initiatives and to adhere to The Code of conduct. Combating denial is not easy. It takes perseverance and patience to start dialogue and negotiation with the local community to make them understand children s rights. We must listen to the community and explain what we are asking them to do. We also need to have key contacts/supporters in the local government. Dolores Alforte 24

29 Thematic Panel Model Laws on CSEC Presenters: Muirreann O Brian, External Legal Expert Mark Hecht, Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada Mariana Yevsyukova, La Strada Ukraine Youngchee Choi, Member of the Parliament of South Korea The session shared lessons learned on the importance of model laws and effective enforcement in the protection of children from all forms of sexual exploitation. A presentation was given first on the legal trends for the protection of children from sexual exploitation in Europe. A particular focus was placed on the role of pan-european bodies in developing model legal standards addressing child trafficking and CSEC to encourage European governments to strengthen their domestic legal frameworks. Such standards include relevant Council of Europe Conventions as well as the recently adopted European Union Directive on child trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. Recently, CSEC legal reform has taken place in Ukraine. La Strada Ukraine played a key role in bringing about this change. They stressed the importance of engaging with members of parliament, as well as engaging with the general public, and children and youth themselves. Recommendations A weak Constitution/Rule of law is a risk factor for the effective implementation of law against CSEC. The economic environment must be taken into consideration when developing legal reform initiatives. If the child welfare system is deficient, it is useless to reform the penal law until the child welfare system is improved. There is a need to start with an assessment of the building blocks in each country and to conduct an audit of where laws are at, before focusing on child protection legal and policy reforms. South Korea and Taiwan are the only two countries in Southeast Asia that have enacted laws that prohibit mere possession of child pornography (a measure that goes beyond standards set forth in the OPSC). ECPAT needs to lobby for the addition and criminalisation of possession in national level laws on child pornography. 25

30 In Korea, laws addressing CSEC exceed the standards of those set out in international law. Emphasis is placed on the importance of legislating on child pornography, measures to prevent child sex offenders from re-offending, and the necessity of providing targeted assistance and support to child victims. A case study from North America regarding the drafting of model legislation was presented. It focused on the importance of taking into account political sociological and socio-economic factors to ensure that legal reform processes are effective. The presentation also highlighted several considerations in relation to the implementation and reform of civil law (e.g. filing or supporting class action lawsuits as an effective way to protect children from abuse exploitation), and criminal law (e.g. importance of having very specific laws with clearly worded provisions). Legal Expert, Muirreann O Brian gave a presentation on the role of pan-european bodies in developing legal standards to protect children. 26

31 Thematic Panel Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Boys Presenters: Maria Eugenia Villareal, ECPAT Guatemala Zemzem Jemal, FSCE Ethiopia Andrea Querol, CHS-Alternativo Peru Lidia Rodrigues, ECPAT Brazil This session sought to share outcomes of research, gender-based programming and advocacy on the issue of the prostitution of boys. Presentations noted the growing body of evidence showing an increase in the sexual exploitation of boys and its different manifestations in countries around the world. group to sexual abuse and exploitation for a number of reasons including, drug abuse, physical and mental immaturity, and poverty. The research also identified the prevalence of abuse of boys and the complicity of other street children, through solicitation and false offers of help or employment. 27 Gaps in the legal frameworks and availability of support services for boy victims were identified. From research conducted in the border areas of Guatemala, the significant social and cultural barriers around masculinity and homosexuality were discussed alongside the complete lack of support services for victimised boys and lack of acknowledgement amongst authorities of the problem. The Adolescents in Action programme in Peru worked with 15 young men who had been sexually exploited, assessing and identifying strategies to provide support, education and employment opportunities, including addressing perceptions that they were not victims. The project also sought to sensitise local communities, including employers, to the needs and lifestyles of homosexual and transgendered youth. Research undertaken in Ethiopia identified male street children as the most vulnerable Experience from Brazil of working with young transvestites who have been victims of sexual exploitation again underscores the challenges of working with groups who face discrimination and marginalisation due to their sexuality. Marginalisation often results in their exclusion from formal education, increasing their vulnerability. Support strategies include strengthening victims to become agents of change, identifying and mapping available support services and needs, as well as support for community integration and empowerment. Recommendations Awareness-raising initiatives should be implemented to overcome the challenges of homophobia and to better understand perceptions of masculinity. There should be sensitive and consistent use of relevant definitions and terminology when discussing homosexuality and transgender.

32 Plenary Session The ECPAT Journey: A Network to Protect Children Presenter: Ron O Grady, ECPAT International Honorary President, ECPAT International The afternoon plenary session began with a presentation from Ron O Grady on the history of the organisation, pivotal episodes in its development and the key principles that have united the network since its founding. ECPAT began in 1991 as a campaign to End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism, based in Bangkok but with support from groups in seven other countries. Early support from notable persons such as former US President Jimmy Carter and the Dalai Lama helped lend credibility to the movement. ECPAT also established important linkages, such as with Interpol, to address the emerging problem of child pornography. Despite these strategic partnerships, ECPAT had still not managed to find a major international platform for coordinated action against CSEC. Thus, with support from the Swedish government and Queen Silvia, it organised the First World Congress in Stockholm in 1996, in which 130 countries agreed to take action. The commitments garnered from this event were key in pushing ECPAT to grow from a small regional campaign based in Thailand into the broad global movement it is today, since unfortunately CSEC remains a global problem. Over twenty years ECPAT has expanded to all regions of the globe and has representation in 75 countries. A firm base, network solidarity, and the unwavering commitments to end CSEC has resulted in an effective global force to combat the sexual exploitation of children. 28 Ron O Grady, ECPAT International Honorary President delivers his presentations to a standing ovation. Ron O Grady was succeeded by five Executive Directors, four of which were present this year on the stage, each having made their own contributions in growing the organisation from its early campaign days.

33 Plenary Session Network Development Presenters: Cornelius Murombedzi and Myriam Horngren, Consultants, INTRAC Facilitators: Maureen Crombie, Chair ECPAT International and Theo Noten, Regional Representative for Western Europe, ECPAT Board of Trustees Maureen Crombie, Board Chair, introduced this session. As ECPAT enters its third decade, it is important to reflect on how we have moved from a small campaign to a large organisation with a global reach, and where we want to go in the future. Key questions addressed in this session included: Who are we as a network? How do we build on successes and achievements? What is an effective network? What kind of network are we? ECPAT has over 1070 coalition members working in 82 groups in 75 countries. Our 57 affiliate groups and 25 national groups are all part of one global network. Consultants from INTRAC explored various themes of network development. There are three basic kinds of networks: Connectivity: based on ties of identification/affiliation Alignment: based on common interests Production: based on doing things together and working together to achieve common goals. ECPAT likely exemplifies a Production network. Networks face a number of challenges, as they rely on governance by members through decentralised systems of authority without a top-down chain of command; this can make them less orderly and stable. When a network becomes more successful than its members, there can be competition for resources, recognition and branding etc. Insufficient participation from network members and over-reliance on a hub (i.e., Secretariat) can create problems in network functioning, especially as networks are resource-hungry but difficult to fund. The structure of the ECPAT network provides opportunities to strengthen relationships, promote social capital, generate knowledge, mobilise capacity, cultivate a collective identity, achieve greater impact than as individuals, and to demonstrate leadership for innovation. Current global factors that may influence network development include: Globalisation, which has a tendency to push networks toward centralisation and standardisation. Climate change and the global financial crisis Donor priorities and development fads - where does CSEC fit among the many development issues that compete for attention? 29

34 federal and con-federal structures, with legally-binding agreements and international oversight bodies characterised by coherence and consolidation The keys to an effective network are informal leadership structure legitimacy and collective identity technical expertise and resources 30 Theo Noten, Regional Representative for Western Europe on the ECPAT Board of Trustees facilitates the discussion Environments shape networks, and networks typically pursue one of a number of models, such as: 1. Loose alliance model like-minded organisations working in partnership characterised by joint programming, shared learning and analysis, collaboration in advocacy campaigns characterised by co-branding, sharing a family name 2. Fragmentation model decentralised structures tendency to move toward divergence and decentralisation autonomous local entities with local boards country offices responsible for strategy and programme development regional office to provide for coordination and oversight 3. Convergence model - (This model may characterise ECPAT) common organisational culture, shared values and vision, and mutual learning Recommendations We share difference viewpoints around the character of the ECPAT network. Some believe that ECPAT may be more of a loose alliance rather than a convergence network. Others support the view of convergence because of the solid efforts being made to tighten our alliance and strengthen communication throughout the network, especially across regions. A number of members expressed concern that ECPAT has not built a public profile commensurate with the breadth and depth of its achievements. It is important to raise this public profile over the coming years. Fundraising is also an increasing challenge; we should pursue partnerships with other NGOs working on related issues to collaborate on projects and share funds. We must also keep a focus on CSEC, as there is no other organisation focusing solely on these issues. More collaborations within the network would be valuable. The discussion should not end here. The Board is committed to raising the issue of network development in its coming tenure.

35 Plenary Session Branding as a Network Asset Presenter: Andreas Astrup, General Manager, The Code The purpose of this presentation was to inspire thinking as ECPAT commits to a branding exercise in the coming three years. A brand is the idea or image of a specific product or service that consumers connect with, by identifying with the name, logo, slogan or design of the company. Those who own the idea or image, use it to build credibility, to gain media attention and to access resources. The process of branding refers to marketing the idea or image to make it recognisable by more and more people, and to see that the image is identified with a certain service or product as distinguishable from a similar service or product offered by another company. How to create and manage a brand? through understanding self image and making it reach the outside world in a network: do not be uniform, but be united The presenter described how Amnesty International and its country organisations redeveloped its brand and logo to reinforce key strategies and messages that the organisation wished to emphasise. If ECPAT wishes to develop and standardise its branding, it must begin by considering the relevant features of the organisation that should be emphasised. Suggestions from ECPAT members included focusing on the organisation s visionary culture and emphasis on justice and bringing hope to children. 31 Why is branding important? benefits of a strong brand delivers the message clearly confirms your credibility connects to your target prospects emotionally motivates the supporters cements loyalty and thereby makes more impact Andreas Astrup explains how Amnesty International carried out its own rebranding exercise.

36 Plenary Session Presentation on the New Optional Protocol of the UN Convention to the Rights of the Child Presenter: Jaap Doek, former UN CRC Committee Chair and 5th International Assembly Moderator The presenter shed light on the new Optional Protocol, which provides for a communication procedure through which children can bring complaints to the CRC when they have suffered violations of their rights under the CRC or either of its Optional Protocols. by the NGO community, and supported by governments and the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Human Rights Council decided to establish a body that would be in charge of drafting the text of a new Optional Protocol. Overview Why establish a complaint procedure for children before the CRC to seek remedies for the violations of their rights? Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) recognises the right to effective remedy at the national level through an appropriate body. Several international bodies have developed complaint mechanisms, such as the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; however, such mechanisms are not accessible by the majority of child victims in the jurisdictions. At the international level, there was a growing movement arguing for the establishment of additional channels for complaints from child victims. Under Article 8 of the UDHR, all human rights treaty bodies had established complaint mechanisms, with one exception - the Committee on the Rights of the Child. After strong lobbying initiatives conducted Who can file a complaint? Children and those who act on behalf of children can file a complaint. Unfortunately, there will be no collective complaints mechanism through which NGOs can file complaints on systematic and serious violations of children rights by States without having to name the child victims. The Committee on the Rights of the Child is mandated to design rules of procedure with regard to the handling of communications. Admissibility of communications Complaints cannot be anonymous; they should be in writing. All national remedies must have been exhausted. This principle can be a major obstacle, as in many countries children s access to the justice system can be very challenging. There is one exception to this principle: if the use of national remedy takes too much time or is unlikely to bring effective relief. 32

37 Handling of communications If a complaint is admissible, the CRC examines it. If examination of the complaint reveals existence of a violation of the rights of the child, the CRC recommends action to the concerned State Party and requests the State Party to take all measures to stop further violations. If the CRC receives reliable information about systematic and serious violations of children s rights committed by States, the Committee can initiate an inquiry itself. The process is all on paper. The CRC does not have a face-to-face discussion with the child. The main challenge in that regard is the acquisition of funding from the UN General Assembly to organise meetings with child victims. The Ratification Process The Human Rights Council has adopted the draft Optional Protocol, which should be adopted by the UN General Assembly. This text may not be adopted unanimously. It should be open to ratification by January complaints made by children. It may be challenging to achieve ten ratifications and/or to increase ratification among states. This is where groups like ECPAT can play an advocacy role. The NGO Committee on the Rights of the Child has prepared an advocacy toolkit to support this process. Discussion In many countries, there is poor access to national remedies. What can be done through the new Optional Protocol to overcome such situations? The new Optional Protocol may help countries improve their own national remedies so that children avoid the CRC communications procedure. If there is no possibility of bringing the case to court at the national level, NGOs should be able to submit an inquiry to the CRC or send specific complaints with the names of children. The CRC may accept complaints based on the broader child rights situation in a particular country. 33 Ten ratifications are needed to bring the Optional Protocol into force. The process of adopting the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2008) has shown that governments are generally reluctant to be exposed to close examination with regard to cultural, social and political rights. There is a concern that the new Optional Protocol may similarly make governments feel exposed to Professor Jaap Doek, former UN CRC Committee Chair and 5th International Assembly Moderator

38 Plenary Session Council of Europe (CoE) Trafficking Campaign Presenter: Tiina-Maria Levamo, Programme Adviser 34 The Council of Europe (CoE) is in the midst of its One in Five Campaign, which is based on research showing that one out of five children in Europe is a victim of sexual violence, with most perpetrators being someone the child knows and trusts. Since 2006, the CoE has implemented two strategic cycles and is now preparing for the third, which will be implemented from 2012 to The campaign s goals include strengthening existing laws and cooperating with national and international NGOs, as well as with a broad variety of stakeholders including practitioners, young people, academia, religious leaders and the private sector to reduce the incidence of sexual violence against children. The campaign s advocacy is grounded in the CoE Convention against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. The Convention is part of a family of conventions protecting children that are anchored in the CRC. It has advanced and complete legal standards to combat sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as policy prescriptions for prevention, protection, and harmonisation and cooperation across countries. The Convention is clear that countries should prosecute their citizens who commit these types of crimes, even if committed abroad in a country where such acts are not criminalised. So far it has been signed by 28 countries and ratified by 15. In order to raise awareness, the CoE has created a website with news, publications and resources, and it would like to include ECPAT s news and resources. The CoE has created the Underwear Rule, which seeks to teach parents how to act when they suspect CSEC is happening in their communities, and about the right of children to define their boundaries with the help of education. For this, the CoE has created a website, a mascot (Kiko) and videos to teach children about defining their boundaries. The materials have received many awards, are available in 25 languages, and they have developed an in-flight video game. The campaign includes lobbying from 40 parliamentarians, key partners such as Marta Santos Pais and the UN delegations in Geneva and in the member countries. Tiina-Maria Levamo introduced awareness-raising material from the CoE campaign

39 Concluding Session Keynote Speaker Marta Santos Pais, UN Secretary General s Special Representative on Violence against Children In her remarks, Marta Santos Pais highlighted the fact that ECPAT plays a key role in mobilising the world s attention for an important issue, and a clandestine topic. Ms. Santos Pais has the mandate from the Secretary General to follow up on the UN Study on Violence against Children, and sexual violence is an important focus of this study. The presenter noted that, although we use the figure that one in five children are victims of sexual violence, we do not have strong data to support this claim. Decision makers are therefore not always convinced that this is an issue of scale. The presenter provided some interesting statistics. In one recent survey, based on interviews with 6,000 young people, 30% were affected by sexual violence. In some places, such as Zanzibar, boys are more affected than girls. The campaign for universal ratification of the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children (OPSC), supported by ECPAT as well as other stakeholders, has resulted in 13 new ratifications, with many others in the pipeline. There are currently 40 state parties who have not yet signed. Among these, more than half are from islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean, illustrating the necessity yet difficulty of moving these island countries into the international dialogue. There is a growing commitment to address the issue of violence against children at the regional level. The presenter recently organised the first roundtable of regional bodies in New York City. She felt it was a great success since they all expressed their commitment to make protection from violence a key goal. The programme developed by the Council of Europe (see above) is a good example. Next year, the presenter s mandate will be evaluated to determine whether it should be renewed. She has launched a global survey to assess progress. So far 20 governments have submitted information, along with five NGOs. ECPAT contributed comments to the survey design. Key points from the expert s reflection on her mandate include: 1. It is imperative to have child sensitive counseling, reporting, and complaint mechanisms - children must be comfortable to exercise their rights. The presenter issued a joint report with Dr. Najat M jid Maalla, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child prostitution, and Child pornography, based on available research from around the world. This report found that in the large majority of countries, there are no 35

40 such mechanisms. Sometimes there are mechanisms for adults, but these usually do not fit the needs of children. 2. These mechanisms must be guided by the best interests of the child and the experiences of children themselves. Based on experiences of children reported in this study, many children feel they are treated poorly rather than recognised as the victims that they are. Most of these crimes are perpetrated by adults with whom children have close personal relationships. The presenter encourages ECPAT to disseminate and use the report that arose from this process. 3. Legislation is a strong foundation. The presenter has been investing heavily in encouraging the passage of strong legislation, including protection of child victims, witnesses, or children facing criminal prosecution as defendants. 4. The presenter encourages ECPAT to share information with her and to continue to play an important role in mobilising the world s attention to address CSEC through awarness raising, promoting government activism and facilitating alternative reporting by civil society. Marta Santos Pais receives a copy of The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children from ECPAT Sweden It is fundamental to establish child sensitive mechanisms by law, with clearly mandated organisations. If we do not have binding provisions requiring states to create and fund such institutions, then we will be unable to guarantee practical solutions. 36

41 Concluding Session Closing Remarks Maureen Crombie, Chair of ECPAT International Board of Trustees Ten years after the passage of the Optional Protocol for the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (OPSC), there has been substantial progress, yet there is still a long way to go. ECPAT s research and work strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child prostitution, and Child pornography. The ECPAT network has been instrumental in directing corporate social responsibility efforts toward CSEC issues. The private sector has largely become aware and recognised their important role in child protection through our advocacy efforts in travel and tourism, the financial sector, and ICT. There remains much more scope for engagement, and we have the wonderful example of civil society and private sector collaboration as illustrated by the ECPAT global campaign with the Body Shop. The new Optional Protocol on Communication presents a prime opportunity to increase access to justice for children, though its progress toward ratification faces a number of challenges. The ECPAT network has an important role in advocating for its ratification at country level. The network must prioritise continued engagement with other key global stakeholders, such as the UN Secretary General s Special Representative on Violence against Children, who has acknowledged the importance of her partnership with ECPAT. Regional governance bodies, such as the Council of Europe, have also exhibited commitment to ending the sexual exploitation of children, presenting an opportunity for increased engagement at this level. A network like ours is well situated to continue innovating on ways to combat CSEC in new forms of partnership over the next three years and beyond. The Chair took the opportunity to thank all participants, presenters, and the Secretariat staff. She particularly thanked ECPAT France for hosting this wonderful event in Paris. 37 Ten years after the OPSC, the movement to end CSEC has made enormous progress, but we still have a long way to go. ECPAT provides leadership to focus world attention on the unbearable crime of the sexual exploitation of children. And we are making a difference Maureen Crombie

42 DAY 3 Thursday 10 November 2011 GOVERNANCE The Moderator A person presiding at the International Assembly shall be known as the Moderator, who shall be elected by the International Assembly on the nomination of the ECPAT Board of Trustees. ECPAT International Constitution The business day of the International Assembly benefits from the wisdom and experience of an illustrious person who serves as Moderator. The Moderator of the Fifth International Assembly, Jaap E. Doek, is emeritus professor of Law (Family and Juvenile Law) and Dean of the Law Faculty at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Currently Professor Doek serves as a Deputy Justice in the Amsterdam Court of Appeal. Research Centre of UNICEF, a member of the Board of Trustees of the African Child Policy Forum (Ethiopia) and a member of the expert committee for the selection of candidates for the Annual Children s Peace Prize (The Netherlands). He is currently an advisor involved in activities of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN on Children and Armed Conflict, and country offices of UNICEF. 38 Professor Doek also served as the chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) ( ). Professor Doek is the chairperson of Aflatoun, Child Savings International, a member of the Advisory Committee of the Innocenti Professor Jaap Doek opens the session

43 New ECPAT network members The Assembly participants welcomed the membership of new ECPAT network members during the period : CEFACOM (Vietnam) STOP (India) Polish Coalition against CSEC (Poland) Asociación Civil Gurises Unidos (Uruguay) Peruvian Network against CSEC (Peru) Zabota CRISIS CENTER (Kazakhstan) Turkish Network against the commercial sexual exploitation of children (Turkey) Association Burkinabé pour la Survie de l Enfance (ABSE) (Burkina Faso) 39 Maureen Crombie, Chairperson, welcomes (from top) representatives from new groups in Bukina Faso, Poland, and Turkey

44 Report of the Chair During the last three years, the Board has worked on a number of strategic and policy matters, including those presented as proposed amendments to the Constitution. This includes proposals for English as an official language and proposal to affirm and copyright the ECPAT name and logo. Both approved by the Assembly. The Board provided support to the Executive Director in reprioritising strategic objectives and programmes during disruptions brought on by the global financial crisis. The Board has also helped the Executive Director focus on network development initiatives, including an exercise to map the key areas of CSEC addressed by ECPAT National Groups and Affiliate Groups. This exercise was critical for the development of resource mobilisation and organisational capacity strengthening strategies. after almost 10 years involvement in ECPAT. Carmen made a tremendous contribution to the advancement of the ECPAT mission and enhancement of global action through her leadership, resource mobilisation, and management of six major regional reviews of progress towards the goal and objectives of the 2001 Second World Congress on the Sexual Exploitation of Children. She was also the driver behind ECPAT as the leading NGO co-hosting the World Congress III against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Rio de Janeiro. In January 2011, the job was offered to Kathleen Speake, who commenced work as the new Executive Director in March The Board has supported Kathleen and her work in developing the new strategic directions for the organisation. Recently, the Board proposed key strategies and activities to support ECPAT s leading role in the upcoming 2013 mid-term review processes of the implementation of the Rio Declaration and Call for Action by Governments. In 2010, the Board initiated a process leading to the replacement of Carmen Madriñan, who stepped down from her Executive Director role Maureen Crombie, Chairperson ECPAT International Board of Trustees, presents her report. 40

45 Report of the Treasurer Fundraising Since the last International Assembly in 2008, ECPAT International has faced difficult financial times. A point to note is that the funding of a World Congress tends to bring forward support from funders, and so it is unsurprising that the years after the Congress were lean. Although the last three years have been a difficult time for the organisation, we have still managed to raise some USD 8 million. The majority of this money has continued to come from our traditional funders such as the Oak Foundation, SIDA, Irish Aid, Air France, ECPAT France, ECPAT Luxembourg/Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg, Christian Aid and the European Commission, and we are very grateful for their support. Substantial sums have also been made available by the worldwide agreement with The Body Shop, but this project will soon come to a close. I know that all of your own organisations face similar challenges in fundraising and it may be that in the future closer cooperation between the Secretariat and local ECPAT groups may help to open up additional sources of funds; I would encourage you all to consider whether you can help in such a way. Financial Management and Controls The ECPAT International Secretariat s accounts are audited annually by the Thailand branch office of Deloitte. No issues of substance have been raised by these auditors in the period since the last Assembly. In the last three years, significant improvements have been made to the Secretariat financial systems, and detailed policies and procedures are in place to ensure that all orders and payments are properly authorised and controlled and financial and other reports sent to funders as required. I am confident that the office manages properly the large sums that are being donated and spent. Budget for 2011/12 The budget for this year is just under USD 2.7 million, including some of the costs of this International Assembly, for which we are most grateful for the extra support brought by ECPAT France and ECPAT Luxembourg as co hosts. Of this budget, most of the funds have already been committed by our donors, and it is likely that once again total income and expenditure will be in balance. 41

46 In the period we have to seek extensions from most of our traditional funders in order to provide the funds necessary to achieve the three year strategy under consideration at this Assembly. In consequence, the incoming Board will have to ensure they provide clear priorities to the office in order that funding can be used to the maximum effect. ECPAT International Board of Trustrees Treasurer, David Ould 42

47 Report of the Secretary Maria Eugenia Villareal has more than 18 years experience working against CSEC in Guatemala and across the Central American region. In addition to her traditional functions, the Secretary of the Board has been extremely active in representing the ECPAT network at both the international and regional level (Latin America). Her key areas of interest have included advocating on behalf of children trafficked for sexual purposes, the sexual exploitation of boys, and the centrality of youth participation. The Secretary has, in particular, advanced ECPAT International s work for the Global Youth Partnership Programme and youth-led research for experiential children. Maria Eugenia Villareal, Secretary, ECPAT International Board of Trustees 43 Executive Director Report The Executive Director gave an overview of key work areas of the International Secretariat, relating to capacity-building, advocacy, and awareness-raising. As the only international NGO specialising in the eradication of CSEC, ECPAT International continues to play an important role in ensuring that states are held accountable to their obligations to protect children. Through the publication of a number of monitoring reports, and a rigorous and wide-ranging global advocacy strategy, ECPAT has made significant progress in holding states to account in regard to their commitments and responsibilities to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Executive Director highlighted how the ECPAT network is responding to the changing economic, legislative and technological contexts that have arisen in recent years. As part of this, ECPAT played a leading role in ensuring child protection issues are taken into consideration at both national and international events and meetings where policies are framed and recommendations on Internet and communication technologies are approved, such as the International Telecommunications Union and the Internet Governance Forum. ECPAT International is also at the forefront of research on CSEC and uses this research

48 promote solidarity among ECPAT members in the region, and strengthen capacities of the network members for advocacy work at international and regional levels. During the period, seventy groups participated in RNRE meetings in East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Kathleen Speake began as ECPAT International Executive Director in March 2011 to produce analytical, evidence-based recommendations. Research like this helps build expertise across the network and ensure programmes are effective, measurable and targeted. Various interesting pieces were produced in the current period, particularly relating to online exploitation of children in Asia, HIV/AIDS and CSEC in Africa, and boys and CSEC in Latin America. Capacity building and knowledge sharing is enhanced through the organisation of Regional Network Resource Exchanges (RNREs), which are valued opportunities that support experience-sharing by network members for regional programmes. RNREs also ECPAT International puts a priority on its work with the private sector. We support the work of the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (the CODE, with over 1000 industry partners. In the last three years, we partnered with The Body Shop in over 40 countries to effect spectacular changes through the Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People Campaign, which attracted over 7 million signatures on a global petition, changed policy and legislation in 14 countries and mobilised more than USD 3 million for ECPAT groups. At the heart of everything that ECPAT does is the goal of empowering children and young people. ECPAT has put this goal into action through its Youth Partnership Programme, which focuses on increasing the resilience, confidence, and skills of experiential youth, where over 9,000 young people in South Asia, and 29,000 in 15 countries world-wide have directly benefitted. We are able to do all this work because of a group of dedicated staff and interns in Bangkok. 44

49 The current environment poses challenges for singletheme organisations such as ECPAT. The Executive Director stressed that, in terms of fundraising, ECPAT s short to mid-term funding strategy should place a strong emphasis on continuing excellent relationships with our donor base, while creating opportunities for new partnerships, and increasing the profile and brand awareness of ECPAT. Empower boys and girls to participate meaningfully in programmes and policies that impact their lives Strengthen public information and awarenessraising to support behaviour change Support human rights mechanisms and incorporation of States commitments in legal frameworks; Support and monitor their effective implementation Strengthen EI as the leading network against CSEC 45 The Strategic Directions Every three years in conjunction with the convening of the ECPAT International Assembly, the ECPAT network undertakes a systematic review of its goals and sets Strategic Directions for the coming period. Our strategic planning process identifies and reaffirms the specific goals and approaches required to achieve ECPAT s vision and mission in light of the changing environment and requisite responses to fight the commercial sexual exploitation of children globally. The Executive Director gave an overview of the process in consulting the ECPAT network for the development of the new strategic directions and happily reported that 80% of groups gave their input. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS The Strategic Directions for as approved by the International Assembly are: Improve research, knowledge, tools and innovative models to better fight CSEC Build and enhance strategic collaborations for effective action against CSEC with external partners The Road to 2016 Answering Rio s Call to Action Available at:

50 Board Election ECPAT International gives thanks to the following outgoing board members for their hard work and exceptional commitment: Maria-Eugenia Vilareal (Secretary) Alan Bell (Pacific) Ingrid Liao (East Asia) Jonathan Ssembajwe (Youth) Kateryna Levenchko (Central and Eastern Europe) Rosalind Prober (North America) Theo Noten (Western Europe) Tufail Muhammad (South Asia) Milena Grillo (Latin America) Maureen Crombie (Chair) and David Ould (Treasurer) were elected. They will be joined by Alan Bell in a new capacity (Secretary), as well as by: Valentyna Mudrik (Youth) Bernadette McMenamin (Pacific) Katlijn Declercq (Western Europe) Mariana Yevsyukova (Central and Eastern Europe) Ahmad Sofian (East Asia) Fabio Gonzalez Florez (Latin America) David Matas (North America) Sumnima Tuladhar (South Asia) Zingui Messomo (Africa) (continuing) From left to right: Tufail Muhammad, Milena Grillo, Maria-Eugenia Villareal, Kateryna Levenchko, Ingrid Liao, Jonathan Ssembajwe, Rosalind Prober, Theo Noten. 46

51 EICYAC Election ECPAT International Child and Youth Advisory Committee (EICYAC) recognises outgoing members: Jonathan Ssembajwe (Uganda) Mariana Yevsyukova (Ukraine) Anna-Maria Khramchenkova (Russia) Ana Lídia Rodrigues Lima (Brazil) Yefri Castro Rodriquez (Colombia) Sangla Santavong (Thailand) 47 And welcomes new members: Kate Medlicott (New Zealand) Haris Khan (Pakistan) Eugenia Maxim (Moldova) Amie Jobe (Gambia) Tiffany Rivera (USA) Antonio Cruz Marroquín Goméz (Guatemala) Valentyna Mudrik (Ukraine) Anke Gratz (Germany) Jonathan Ssembajwe steps down as Youth Board Representative and welcomes new representatives to EICYAC. ECPAT International Deputy Director of Programmes, Junita Upadhyay presents a certificate of recognition to outgoing EICYAC members, Anna Maria Khramchenkova (left) and Narissara Yebeo, recieving the certificate on behalf of Sangla Santavong (right).

52 MINUTES: SUMMARY VERSION* Minutes of the business day meeting of the 5th ECPAT International Assembly **A full version with motions available upon request PROCEDURAL Welcome 1. (1-3) The Chairperson of the ECPAT International Board, Maureen Crombie, formally opened the and welcomed the 146 participants of ECPAT individuals and observers including 98 ECPAT delegates. Approval of Minutes 4 A motion was passed to approve the 4th ECPAT International Assembly Minutes. Moved: Theo Noten (Board: Western Europe Representative) Seconded: Helena Karlen (ECPAT Sweden) Carried Approval of Moderator 5. The Chairperson introduced the Moderator nominated by the Board, Professor Jaap Doek. 6. A motion was passed to accept the Moderator. Moved: Roz Prober (Board: North America Representative) Seconded: Milena Grillo (Board: Latin America Representative) Carried Approval of Standing Orders 7. (7-9) The Moderator outlined the Proposed Standing Orders. 10. A motion was passed to approve the Proposed Standing Orders. Moved: Maria Eugenia Villareal (Board: Secretary) Seconded: Alan Bell (Board: Pacific Representative) Carried 48

53 Approval of Agenda 11. A motion was passed to approve the Agenda for the Assembly. Moved: David Ould (Board: Treasurer) Seconded: Tufail Muhammad (Board: South Asia Representative) Carried Appointments 12. The Moderator was supported by Alessia Altamura and Sergio Garcia de Diego as enumerators; and Francois- Xavier Souchet (French), Maria Eugenia Villareal (Spanish) and Cath Moss (English) as drafting consultants; and Jake Lucchi as Minute-taker. 49 New ECPAT Members 13. ECPAT welcomed new members: - CEFACOM Vietnam - Polish Coalition against CSEC - STOP India - Asociación Civil Gurises Unidos (Uruguay) - Peruvian Network against CSEC - Zabota CRISIS CENTER Kazakhstan - Turkish Network against the commercial sexual exploitation of children DECISION-MAKING Strategic Directions 14. (14-15) The Strategic Directions were adopted by Assembly Financial Statements 16. (16-18) The audited statements of assets, liabilities and fund balances of ECPAT International as at 30 June 2009 and 30 June 2010, and related statements of income and expenditure were reported. A motion was passed to approve the audited financial statements. Board Proposal 19. (19-21) A motion was passed to approve the waiver of Clause 3.8, Clause , Clause 7.4 and Clause 7.5 of the Constitution of ECPAT International (relating to candidates nomination procedures and the two-term limit) for the purposes of the election of the Chairperson of the Board only at the.

54 22. (22-23) A motion was passed to approve the ECPAT International Board s proposal to make an extraordinary decision whereby the Board wished to nominate Maureen Crombie to stand for re-election as Chairperson, or to enable the Assembly to nominate any other previous Board member, who also has served two full (three year) terms in the office, for re-election as Chairperson. CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS Use of the ECPAT Name and Logo 24. (24-27, 29) Several motions were passed relating to the ECPAT name and logo and instructed the board to prepare a detailed set of ECPAT brand guidelines, including terms and conditions for use by groups and application for trademark protection. A motion was passed that instructed the Board to establish an ECPAT Brand Sub-Committee including the involvement of external expertise and ECPAT members as well as engagement with all National Groups and Affiliate Groups. English as the Official Language 31. (30-32) A motion was passed so that the Constitution of ECPAT International article on General Provisions (Clause 6.3) shall be amended to read that English is the official language of ECPAT International. Votes in favour = 51; Opposed = 6; Abstentions = 8 Carried 32. A motion was passed so that the Constitution of ECPAT International article on Sub- Committees (Clause 6 (vii)) shall be deleted. Votes in favour = 63; Opposed = 0; Abstentions = 3 Carried Nominations and Voting Procedures 33. A motion was passed so that the Constitution of ECPAT International (Clause 3.7 A) to request that nominations from candidates for Regional representatives Board elections shall be made by two National Groups or Affiliate Groups from within each respective region. One of those two National Groups or Affiliate Groups must be established in a different country that the organisation of which the candidate is a member. Votes in favour = 69; Opposed = 0; Abstentions = 1 Carried 50

55 34. A motion was passed so that the Clause of the Constitution of ECPAT International expressly mentions that as the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary, the Youth Representative shall also be nominated and elected from the entire membership. 35. A motion was passed so that the Constitution of ECPAT International (Clause 3.8) requests that nominations must reach the International Secretariat by not later than 60 days before the opening of the International Assembly. 36. A motion was passed so that the Constitution of ECPAT International (Clause ) enables Youth Representative to be elected through /mail voting no later than 30 days before the commencement of the International Assembly. 51 International Assembly 37. Motions were passed to adopt the deletion of the requirement for a preliminary notice of the International Assembly (Clause 3(ii) of the Bylaws) and to amend Clause 3 (iii) so that it requires that official nominations documents for nominees shall be written and completed in English. Financial Procedures 38. (38,39) A motion was passed for various Constitution of ECPAT International and Bylaws articles related to the annual accounts, financial controls, bank accounts, petty cash, approval for overseas travel expenditure, annual budget planning and implementation, and reporting from the Secretariat to the Board (Treasurer) as outlined in the Agenda documentation (section 10, pages 7-9). 40. The above motion was passed in relation to Clause of the Bylaws to request that the appointment of a reputable firm of public accountability/auditors shall be made at the International Assembly and/or voting from the entire ECPAT membership. Board Election Process 41. (41-45) Motions were passed to approve the Moderator s proposal that votes for uncontested candidates for the Executive Office and Regional Representatives would take place by open ballot and votes for contested candidates would take place by secret ballot. EICYAC Election Results 47. (48-50) The following outgoing EICYAC members were introduced to the Assembly as they were presented with certificates, in acknowledgement of their work against commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents: Anna-Maria Khramchenkova (Eastern Europe and CIS), Jonathan Ssembajwe (Youth Representative to the Board), Lídia Rodrigues Lima (Latin America), Mariana Yevsyukova (Eastern Europe and CIS Regional Representative), Sangla Santawong (East Asia and Pacific), Yefri Castro Rodríguez (Latin America). The incoming

56 EICYAC members were introduced to the Assembly: Amie Jobe (Africa), Anke Gratz (Western Europe), Antonio Cruz Marroquín Gómez (Latin America), Eugenia Maxim (Eastern Europe and CIS), Haris Khan (South Asia, In absentia), Kate Medlicott (East Asia and Pacific), Tiffany Rivera (North America), Valentyna Mudrik (Youth Representative to the Board). Election of the Executive Officers 51. Presentations were received by the candidates. 52. Maureen Crombie was elected Chairperson of the Board. 53. Alan Bell was elected Secretary of the Board. 54. David Ould was elected Treasurer of the Board. Election of the Regional Representatives 55. Presentations were received by the candidates. 56. Bernadette McMenamin was elected Regional Representative for Pacific. 57. David Matas was elected Regional Representative for North America. 58. Fabio Conzalez Florez was elected Regional Representative for Latin America. 59. Katlijn Declercq was elected Regional Representative for Western Europe. 60. Mariana Yevsyukova was elected Regional Representative for Central and Eastern Europe/CIS. 61. Sumnima Tuldhar was elected Regional Representative for South Asia. 62. Xavier Zingui Messomo was elected Regional Representative for Africa. 63. (63-67) Ahmad Sofian (Indonesia) was elected Regional Representative for East Asia and the Pacific. Board Reports 72. (72-75) All Board Reports were received. The Report of the Executive Director was received CLOSE 76. (76-79) The Chairperson formally recognized outgoing members of the ECPAT International Board, and thanked the OAK Foundation, European Commission, Irish Aid, International Child Support, SIDA, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Air France, The Body Shop, Cordaid, ECPAT France and ECPAT Luxembourg. 52

57 SIDE MEETINGS Africa Regional Meeting ECPAT groups from fourteen African countries convened a regional meeting to share ideas and experiences, and discuss potential opportunities for collaboration. The meeting was also a platform to promote key areas of strategic interest to the ECPAT network, including alternative reporting to the UN Human Rights Council, and supporting the partnership with the Code of Conduct for the protection of children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. With growth in tourism across many parts of the African continent, it is important that children and young people be protected against victimisation in sex tourism. An introductory training on the Code of Conduct was delivered by ECPAT program officer Patchareeboon Sakulpitakphon. The training outlined the history and current structure of The Code of the Conduct, an industry-driven tool for corporate social responsibility where ECPAT member groups play an important role in providing training and support to local Code signatories. Gambia s experience in introducing the Code of Conduct was highlighted, and noted that a key challenge for African countries in implementing the Code is accessing the small and numerous hoteliers which form the most common type of hotel accommodation for the continent. ECPAT s Legal Officer, Francois Souchet delivered a session on the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and its reporting mechanisms in relation to the commercial sexual exploitation of children. He stressed the importance of NGO engagement with such mechanisms, notably with the HRC through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the opportunities ECPAT has to engage at various stages because of its special consultative status at ECOSOC. As background, the presentation outlined the purpose, structure and processes of the HRC its linkages with other UN human rights monitoring bodies, such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Beyond engagement with the mechanisms, the presenter highlighted examples where ECPAT effectively use the media to get attention for HRC country reports and follow up. This session also provided capacity building for developing and presenting an effective alternative report, highlighting good 53

58 Participants: Cleophas Kwadjo Essediaba Mally, Director, WAO-Afrique (Togo), pictured in the photo, participated in the African Regional Meeting along with; Zingui Messomo, Africa Region Representative to the ECPAT International Board of Trustees, (Cameroon) Melanie Gnandi, Regional Associate for Africa, ECPAT International (Togo) Jonathan Ssembajwe, Youth Representative to the ECPAT International Board of Trustees, (Uganda) Abikou Norbert Fanou Ako, Director, Close Benin (Benin) Célestin Zongo, Secretary General, ABSE (Burkina Faso) Ossei Kouakou, Executive Director, SOS (Cote d Ivoire) Meseret Tadesse Beshah, Executive Director, FSCE Ethiopia (Ethiopia) Baaba Brew Fleischer, National President/ECPAT Ghana Chair-Person GNCRC (Ghana) Amelia Fernanda José Langa Cardoso, Executive Director, Rede da Criança (Mozambique) Oyesola Oyewole, Programme Officer, WOCON (Nigeria) Megan Ann Briede, Director: National Programs, Child Welfare South Africa (South Africa) Mwaituka Justa Elias, Executive Director, KIWOHEDE (Tanzania) Geoffrey Bamuteta, Programme Manager, UCRNN Uganda (Uganda) Bestone Banda, Knowledge Development and Communications Offer, CHIN Zambia (Zambia) Samuel Chakamba, Executive Director, CHIN Zambia (Zambia) 54

59 experiences in developing alternative reports in Togo and Uganda. One important lesson is to facilitate the experience of young people in developing the report and following up to ensure recommendations are accepted at national level. ECPAT s Executive Director outlined the proposed Strategic Directions for , which would be presented for approval at the International Assembly governance day. Groups had an opportunity to consider their priorities as well as how the Strategic Directions might be operationalised in their countries and sub-regions. They discussed key contextual factors that put children at risk, such as the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, increased use of mobile technologies by young people, lack of information sharing and coordination among key stakeholders, limited access to sex education for young people, and endemic poverty. All groups agreed that national and regional instability needs to be considered in developing CSEC strategies, with particular consideration given to the vulnerabilities of children and young people in conflict and emergency situations. Increased awareness-raising for CSEC, strengthened ECPAT network, improved research, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the empowerment of children and young people were all agreed to be priorities for the future. 55 Other regional meetings also took place. Here the Asia Pacific Region ECPAT Members gather for a group photo.

60 SIDE MEETINGS Youth Meeting My dream is to continue to support ECPAT, to continue to inform all my peers, all my friends in my community, in the capital, over the whole continent. My dream is to live in a better world where we can all live together with love Antonio Cruz Marroquín Gómez, ECPAT Guatemala The Youth Meeting of the International Assembly was intended as a dynamic space for young people to share learning and collaborate across programs and countries, as well as to discuss innovative strategies for mainstreaming the participation of young people in the fight against CSEC. Participants for this youth-led meeting were drawn from the Youth Partnership Project against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (YPP) and the ECPAT International Child and Youth Advisory Committee (EICYAC). Facilitators Anna Maria Khramchenkova, and Mariana Yevsyukova moderated plenary sessions and introduced group work. Honorary President Ron O Grady and Chairperson, Maureen Crombie joined the meeting and delivered key messages on the importance of young people to ECPAT governance. Mariana Yevsyukova elaborated on the Youth Partnership Project currently being implemented in 15 countries across five regions. Amie Job summarized key discussion points about child and youth participation (CYP). These included: the importance of involving youth in issues that concern them, adults fulfilling the right to participate, youth activism as a means to build self-esteem and develops future leaders, change brought about through action in the political sphere, learning from children and youth, and children inspiring adults. The group conceded that there are a number of challenges to enhancing meaningful CYP, including tokenism, lack of opportunity to participate, children forced to behave as adults in order to be heard, and cultures that do not accept children having a voice. Hence it is necessary to both educate adults in the context, and at the same time improve the capacity of children to advocate for change. 56

61 The outgoing Youth Representative to the Board, Jonathan Ssembajwe, explained the roles and responsibilities and organisation of EICYAC, highlighting that it is up to new EICYAC members to decide their priorities within their mandate. Lídia Rodrigues Lima and Yefri Castro Rodríguez presented the results of the self-evaluation of EICYAC members from their three-year mandates, and noted challenges as well as recommendations for new representatives. According to this evaluation, more than 60% of the EICYAC outgoing members felt that in their regions their goals were achieved. There were also recommendations made to enhance CYP within the network through establishing a policy of youth participation with more integrated platforms, promoting more youth-led projects, and ensuring opportunities for training for youth. Participants discussed EICYAC s role within ECPAT, and concluded that EICYAC should: mobilise and motivate youth outside EIYCAC; raise awareness and change social attitudes towards CSEC; help young survivors to improve their lives and stimulate their active involvement; enhance youth capacities to be advocates for their own protection; and serve as a body for youth to be engaged in the development of policies and programmes concerning children and youth. Some particular means include the support for micro-projects led by youth, a campaign to address demand for CSEC, and the need to focus on prevention. 57 Youth Representatives meet with ECPAT Honorary President, Ron O Grady.

62 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Name Alan Bell David Ould Ingrid Liao Jonathan Ssembajwe Kateryna Levchenko Maria Eugenia Villareal Maureen Crombie Milena Grillo Roz Prober Theo Noten Tufail Muhammad Zingui Messomo ECPAT Board of Trustees Position, Country Region Rep. Pacific, (New Zealand) Treasurer, (UK) Region Rep. East Asia, (Taiwan) Youth Rep. to the Board, (Uganda) Region Rep. Eastern and Central Europe, (Ukraine) Secretary, (Guatemala) Chair, (New Zealand) Region Rep. Latin America, (Costa Rica) Region Rep. North America, (Canada) Region Rep. Western Europe, (Netherlands) Region Rep. South Asia, (Pakistan) Region Rep. Africa, (Cameroon) ECPAT International Network Representatives Name Position, Organisation Country Belioza Çoku Manager, Children s Human Rights Centre of Albania Albania Nora Susana Schulman Executive Director, C.A.S.A.C.I.D.N. Argentina Kristy Fleming International Child Protection Program Manager Australia Childwise Astrid Winkler Executive Director, ECPAT Austria Austria Katrin Juliane Lankmayer Assistant programs and projects, ECPAT Austria Austria Ute Mayrhofer Chair of Board, ECPAT Austria Austria Itrat Ahan Project Coordinator, ACD Bangladesh Bangladesh Wahida Banu Shapna Executive Director, APARAJEYO-BANGLADESH Bangladesh Gita Chakraborty Senior deputy director, ASK Bangladesh Bangladesh Halina Kazlova Vice chairperson of the Board, NGO Children not for Belarus Abuse Ariane Couvreur Project Coordinator, ECPAT Belgium Belgium 58

63 Name Position, Organisation Country Danielle Van Kerckhoven Project Coordinator, ECPAT Belgium Belgium Kathelijn Declercq Focal point on the EU institutions, ECPAT Belgium Belgium Abikou Norbert Fanou Ako Director, Close Benin Benin Maria Luiza Duarte Executive Coordinator, ECPAT Brazil Brazil Tiana Maria Sento-Sé Coordinator, ECPAT Brazil Brazil Lydia Zagorova Chairperson, Neglected Children Society ECPAT Bulgaria Bulgaria Célestin Zongo Secretary General, ABSE Burkina Faso Chea Pyden Senior Board Member, ECPAT Cambodia Cambodia Chin Chanveasna Director, ECPAT Cambodia Cambodia David Matas Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada Canada Deborah Leigh Zanke Public Relations, Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada Canada Mark Hecht Law Professor, Beyond Borders/ECPAT Canada Canada Ivan Zamora Director, Paicabi Chile Chile Peggy Samba Paicabi Chile Chile Denisse Araya Castelli Director, Raices Chile Chile Luz Stella Cardenas Ovalle Director and Legal Repr., ECPAT Colombia Colombia Martha Cecilia Cardenas de Deputy Director-Admin, ECPAT Colombia Colombia Cifuentes Fabio Alberto Gonzalez Advisor, Fundación Renacer Colombia Florez María del Mar González Coordinator Code of Conduct, Fundación Costa Rica Paniamor Ossei Kouakou Executive Director, SOS Cote d Ivoire Cathleen Moss Coordinator, Ecumenical Network for Youth Action Czech Republic Maria Josefina Paulino Coordinadora, Proyecto MAIS Dominican Republic Malle Roomeldi ECPAT coordinator, Tartu Child Support Center Estonia Meseret Tadesse Beshah Executive Director, FSCE Ethiopia Ethiopia Anne-Marie Borges Assistant to the Secretary General, ECPAT France France Anne-Sophie Faysse Communications Officer, ECPAT FRANCE France Jean-Marie Joly Secretary General, ECPAT FRANCE France Magali Fabre Project Officer, ECPAT FRANCE France 59

64 Name Position, Organisation Country Marie-Astrid Mondot Communications Officer, ECPAT France France Philippe Galland Executive Director, ECPAT France France Philippe Chevillard President, ECPAT France France Erika Georg-Monney Chair, ECPAT Germany Germany Mechtild Maurer Director, ECPAT Germany Germany Baaba Brew Fleischer National President/ECPAT Ghana Chair-Person Ghana GNCRC Mariana Santano de del Sub Director, ECPAT- Guatemala Guatemala Aguila Vidya Selvamony Programme Coordinator, EQUATIONS India Indrani Sinha Executive Director, SANLAAP India Roma Debabrata Managing Trustee and President, STOP India India Sumadi Wijaya Senior Program Manager, ECPAT Affiliate Group Indonesia Indonesia Allegra Morelli Vice-President, ECPAT Italy Italy Marco Scarpati President, ECPAT Italy Italy Yasmin Abo Loha Programme Coordinator, ECPAT Italy Italy Makiko Tsuboi Co-representative, ECPAT Japan Kansai Japan Toshiko Sonozaki Co-representative, ECPAT Japan Kansai Japan Keiko Saito Co-representative, ECPAT/Stop Japan Japan Maki Enokita Youth Coordinator, ECPAT/Stop Japan Japan Yerbol Lukpanov Coordinator, Youth power Centre Kazakhstan Ulzhan Lukpanova Director, Crisis centre Zabota (Care) Kazakhstan Elvira Ilibezova Director, CPOSF El-Pikir Kyrgyzstan Fabienne Grojean Representative in Mali, ECPAT Luxembourg Luxembourg Hannah Bristow Project Manager, ECPAT Luxembourg Luxembourg Thomas Kauffmann Executive Director, ECPAT Luxembourg Luxembourg Juan Fernando Viveros General Director, ECPAT Mexico Mexico García Violeta Maria Guadalupe Inter-Agency Liaison Officer, ECPAT Mexico Mexico San Luis Pérez Liliana Rotaru Director, CCF Moldova Moldova Amelia Fernanda José Langa Cardoso Executive Director Rede da Criança Mozambique 60

65 Name Position, Organisation Country Sumnima Tuladhar Executive Coordinator, CWIN-Nepal Nepal Bishwo Ram Khadka Director, Maiti Nepal Nepal Celine Verheijen Project officer, ECPAT the Netherlands Netherlands Ling Jiang Office Manager, ECPAT Child Alert New Zealand Maria Jose Arguello Ramos National Director, Casa Alianza Nicaragua Nicaragua Oyesola Oyewole Programme Officer, WOCON Nigeria Andrea Querol Executive Director, Capital Humano y Social Peru Alternativo Ricardo Valdés Cavassa President, Capital Humano y Social Alternativo Peru Dolores Alforte Executive Director, ECPAT Philippines Philippines Maria Amihan Abueva President, ECPAT Philippines Philippines Maria Keller-Hamela Director of International Cooperation Poland Nobody s Children Foundation Laura Ana Stanciu Specialist, Save the Children Romania Romania Mayya Rusakova Director General, Stellit Russia Megan Ann Briede Director: National Programs, Child Welfare South South Africa Africa Hyeon Sook Lee Director, ECPAT Korea South Korea Sung Hee Sin Executive Secretary, ECPAT Korea South Korea Ana Maria Sebastian Vice President, ACIM Spain Enriquez Isabelle PERIS Coordinator, ACIM Spain Fernando Gunesana Director Programs, ECPAT Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Mahuruf Mohammed Executive Director, ECPAT Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Helena Karlen Secretary General, ECPAT Sweden Sweden Joanna Lundquist Legal Advisor, ECPAT Sweden Sweden Per Thomas Andersson Press Secretary, ECPAT Sweden Sweden Kathie Jill Wiederkehr Director, ECPAT Switzerland Switzerland Ronja Verena Tschümperlin Head, ECPAT Switzerland Switzerland Li-Feng Lee Secretary General, ECPAT Taiwan Taiwan Yi-Ling Chen International Affairs Officer, ECPAT Taiwan Taiwan Yuk-Chun Kao Board Chair, ECPAT Taiwan Taiwan Mwaituka Justa Elias Executive Director, KIWOHEDE Tanzania 61

66 Name Position, Organisation Country Katesanee Chantrakul Project Coordinator, ECPAT Foundation Thailand Kwadjo Essediaba Mally Director, WAO-Afrique Togo Şahin Antakyalıoğlu Coordinator, Turkish Network Against CSEC Turkey Geoffrey Bamuteta Programme Manager, UCRNN Uganda Uganda Christine Beddoe Director, ECPAT UK UK Colin Walker Deputy Director, ECPAT UK UK Debbie Beadle Youth Programme Coordinator, ECPAT UK UK Lourdes Mariela Solari Area Coordinator, GURISES UNIDOS Uruguay Morales Carol Smolenski Executive Director, ECPAT USA USA Jackie Shapiro Board Member, ECPAT USA USA Julie Laurence Clinical Director, ECPAT USA USA Bestone Banda Knowledge Development and Communications Offer Zambia CHIN Zambia Samuel Chakamba Executive Director, CHIN Zambia Zambia ECPAT YOUTH Ana Lídia Rodrigues Project Coordinator, ECPAT Brasil Brasil Gonzalo Salomón Youth Motivator, Paicabi Chile Chile Cruz Aguilera Yefry Castro Rodriguez Youth Coordinator, Fundacion Renacer Colombia Colombia Amie Jobe Youth Motivator, CPA-Gambia Gambia Anke Gratz Youth Motivator, ECPAT Germany Germany Antonio Cruz Marroquin Youth Motivator, YPP Guatamala Guatemala Gomez Jorge Alberto Garay Youth Motivator, ECPAT Mexico Mexico Carvente Eugenia Maxim Youth Motivator, CCF Moldova Moldova Priya Sherpa Youth Motivator, Maiti Nepal Nepal Kate Medlicott Youth Project Coordinator, ECPAT Child Alert New Zealand Anna-Maria Khramchenkova Project manager, NGO Stellit Russia Narissara Yebeo Youth Motivator, ECPAT Foundation Thailand Baham Agalatossi Youth Motivator, WAO-Afrique Togo 62

67 Name Position, Organisation Country Grace Adjei Youth Delegate, ECPAT UK UK Temitope Adekoya Youth Delegate, ECPAT UK UK Mariana Yevsyukova Director of Legal Department, Coordinator of Youth Ukraine Section, La Strada Valentyna Mudrik Youth Motivator, La Strada Ukraine Tiffany Rivera Youth Motivator, ECPAT USA USA May Chaperone Sophie Flak Gabrielle Shaw Tiina-Maria Levamo Philippe Chevillard Xavier Emmanuelli Marleena Holmberg Patricia Cartes Andrés Jaap Doek Indira Villegas Maitane Franco Thierry Boulouque Carmen Madriñán Jo de Linde Muireann O Briain Ron O Grady Denton Howard Cornelius Murombedzi Myriam Horngren Younghee Choi Anastasia Anthopoulos ECPAT International Invitees and Guests Accor Executive Vice President Academies and Sustainable Development, ACCOR Head of International and Relations Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Programme Adviser Council of Europe Secretariat President, ECPAT France ECPAT France Embassy of Finland, Paris Privacy & Public Policy Principal, Facebook Professor and Former UN CRC Committee Chair Desk Officer Asia, Fundacion Anesvad Desk Officer Latin America, Fundacion Anesvad Head of the Minor s Protection Unit Paris Doctoral Candidate for the Irish Centre for Human Rights and a Human Rights Law, Honorary ECPAT guest Honorary ECPAT guest Honorary ECPAT guest Honorary ECPAT International President INHOPE Consultant, INTRAC Consultant, NTRAC Member of Parliament, South Korea Programme Officer, OAK Foundation 63

68 Name Christopher Davis Andreas Astrup Mathhias Leisinger Dolores Merino Marta Santos Pais Najat M jid Maalla Nicola Pizzo Sophie Melat Audrey Rochette Emilie Vallat Frédéric Boisset Jennifer Traore Olivier Mondot Sandrine Bayar Sébastien Conan Eveline Ribeiro Philippe Dicquemare Vera Dicquemare Baholinirina Rakotomalala Irène Razafindranovona Onésime Marie Rapanoel Béatrice Bourron Naïma Hajji Najia Bounaim Mahvesh Khan Syed Irfan Haider Valérie Khan Anustoop Bhattacharya Position, Organisation, Country International Campaigns Director, The Body Shop General Manager, The Code Chair of the Board, The Code Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Transat UN Secretary General s Special Representative on Violence against Children UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography Acting For Life Participants MENA & Nepal programme manager, Acting For Life East Africa programme manager, Acting For Life Child Protection Desk director, Acting For Life West Africa programme manager, Acting For Life Acting For Life South Asia programme manager Acting For Life Brazil & Madagascar programme manager, Acting For Life Self protection project officer, Acting For Life Brazil - CEPIB National director, Acting For Life Brazil - CEPIB Technical coordinator, Acting For Life Brazil - CEPIB Capacity Building Manager, Acting For Life Madagascar Partnership Manager, Acting For Life Madagascar National Director, Acting For Life Madagascar Capacity building manager, Acting For Life Morocco - AMANE Training manager, Acting For Life Morocco - AMANE National director, Acting For Life Morocco - AMANE Head of monitoring and learning, Acting For Life Pakistan Head of finance, Acting For Life Pakistan National director, Acting For Life Pakistan Head of Finance, Acting For Life South Asia - South Asia Regional Office (SARO) NGO Sanjog 64

69 Name Position, Organisation, Country Roop Sen Regional Director, Acting For Life South Asia - South Asia Regional Office (SARO) NGO Sanjog Uma Chaterjee Head of Capacity Building Acting For Life South Asia - South Asia Regional Office (SARO) NGO Sanjog Sabir Ahamed Middya Programme manager, Bangladesh Coordination office (BCO) NGO Sanjog Sadia Nasrin Programme manager, Bangladesh Coordination office (BCO) NGO Sanjog ECPAT International Secretariat Bangkok, Thailand Office Name Position Aimon Jarusira Finance Officer Alessia Altamura Associate for Europe Anjan Bose Programme Officer for ICT and Child Protection Bimol Bhetwal ECPAT YPP Project Coordinator, South Asia Network Focal Person Duangkamol Wudhiprecha Finance Assistant Erwin Mom Deputy Director, Admin, HR & Finance Fiorella Rojas Regional Officer, Americas François-Xavier Souchet Programme Officer for Legal and Europe & CIS Support Jake Lucchi Junita Upadhyay Kathleen Speake Manida Naebklang Mark Bradshaw Melanie Gnandi Miroslav Kalniev Olha Shved Patchareeboon Sakulpitakphon Pusa Srivilas Sergio Garcia de Diego Somaya Bunchorntavakul Programme Research Associate - Legal Policy and Development Deputy Director, Programmes Executive Director Designer/Publications Associate Fundraising and Grant Management Officer Regional Associate for Africa Administrative and External Relations Associate Associate for CIS Region Programme Officer Child Sex Tourism and Trafficking Regional Officer, East Asia and Pacific CYP Research Assistant Administrative & Finance Assistant 65 Absent: Ahmad Sofian, Board Regional Representative-East Asia, (Indonesia) Bernadette McMenamin, Board Regional Representative-Pacific Region, (Australia)

70 With support of: 66 ECPAT International 328 Phayathai Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: , , , Fax: info@ecpat.net Website: