NCJ Number
228886
Date Published
February 2009
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report presents the information received from United Nations member states on their implementation of the recommendations of resolution 16/2, entitled "Effective Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Responses to Combat Sexual Exploitation of Children."
Abstract
The replies from the member states indicate that most have adopted national legislation in conformity with international instruments that govern the rights of the child, as well as various measures that promote the investigation and prosecution of relevant offenses, international judicial cooperation, awareness-raising, protection of child victims and witnesses, and collaboration with civil society. Regarding the use of information and communications technology in child sexual exploitation, this is a relatively new phenomenon, so few countries reported that adequate or specific legislative and other measures had been implemented. An increasingly large proportion of child sexual abuse Web sites are commercial, generating significant proceeds for organized criminal groups. Member states should therefore ensure that these offenses are covered under the Organized Crime Convention. Domestic legislation should adequately criminalize such offenses with sanctions that reflect their severity. Replies from member states also indicate the fostering of cooperation among law enforcement authorities in the investigation of complex forms of cybercrime, including online child sexual abuse, as well as between law enforcement authorities and Internet service providers. This report recommends that the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice of the Economic and Social Council consider providing guidance to member states on what is required in terms of legislation, conditions for successful national and international law enforcement, and promotion of the involvement of the private sector, particularly Internet service providers, in the prevention and detection of the sexual exploitation of children.