Sexual Exploitation: Report of the Special Rapporteur to the Human Rights Council

Summary

This report is submitted in accordance with Human Rights Council decision 2/102. In its resolution 2005/44, the Commission on Human Rights called upon all States, inter alia, to take the necessary measures to eliminate the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography by adopting a holistic approach and addressing the contributing factors, including underdevelopment, poverty, economic disparities, inequitable socio-economic structures, dysfunctional families, lack of education, urban-rural migration, gender discrimination, irresponsible adult sexual behaviour, harmful traditional practices, armed conflicts and trafficking in children.

In recent years the Special Rapporteur has received worrying allegations relating to the issue of illegal trafficking of children’s organs and tissues, but the sporadic information remains in most cases unsubstantiated. The Special Rapporteur finds it important to examine the above problem in his annual report so as to better assess the issue of organ trafficking, in order to provide better protection for children in that area, keeping in mind that the best interests of children should always remain a primary consideration.
Also, the issue of abduction of children is a serious concern to the Special Rapporteur.

The phenomenon of missing children has taken a worldwide importance, and requires a coordinated, comprehensive and global approach. With the objective of providing standards for other States, the Special Rapporteur deemed it worthwhile to provide further details on the different models already created in response to the problem. Rapid-response programmes such as those cited as examples are to be encouraged.

The report is based on information received from Governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals in response to a questionnaire sent by the Special Rapporteur. It reflects the responses received from 27 countries, from several intergovernmental organizations and from various non-governmental organizations and individuals.

This report does not pretend to give a comprehensive analysis of the two issues discussed, but rather to highlight examples of international and regional standards and strategies as well as to discuss the situation in some countries, bearing in mind the legislation adopted and how institutions are working regarding these two issues.