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Membership with ECPAT International

Together with our global membership network, we work to eliminate all forms of sexual exploitation of children through prevention, protection, advocacy and research.

 

To effectively address a big global problem like child sexual exploitation is a complex effort. It requires a solid understanding of the nature and scope of this crime, and the platform, access and influence to push for the critical systemic and societal changes necessary to end it. This can only be achieved if all relevant stakeholders around  the world proactively engage, join hands and act in coordination. The role of civil society in this coordinated effort is cross‑cutting. While they often play an important role in providing frontline services for rehabilitation and reintegration, they are also uniquely positioned to bridge local communities, government, and the private sector. Accordingly, it was the initiative of a number of dedicated civil-society organisations in May 1990, that inspired a first global campaign to address child sexual exploitation, out of which ECPAT International was established.

Since then, ECPAT has grown into the world’s largest influencing network fully dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of children. It has successfully provided a platform for civil-society to engage with governments, intergovernmental institutions, the private sector, academia, the media and the general public, including children themselves, to push for better protection from and prevention of child sexual exploitation. Membership with ECPAT however always remained limited to civil society with the global network currently consisting of over 140 civil society organisations across more than 110 countries.

The growth of our membership was not inspired by a quick expansion strategy. This growth took place throughout a process lasting over 30 years, carefully engaging with like-minded organisations, joining hands on research, advocacy and campaigning efforts and forging collaborations on national, regional and global levels. Some of those collaborations eventually evolved into network membership.

In this spirit, ECPAT membership is by invitation only and subject to meeting our Membership Standards. The process is led by ECPAT International with advice from the Membership Representative Committee and final approval by the Supervisory Board. 

Membership Standards

As per our governance framework, organisations must meet the following standards to be recognised as an ECPAT Organisation. 

  1. Have a commitment to international human rights standards and a mission aligned to the objectives of the foundation to eliminate sexual exploitation of children. 
  2. Implement programmes that demonstrate contributions and impact to protect children from sexual exploitation. 
  3. Proactive engagement with ECPAT International, including participation in the Assembly of ECPAT Organisations, completion of the annual survey, Membership Standards review, timely communication and participation in network initiatives, engagement with other ECPAT Organisations and overall promotion of the ECPAT International network. 
  4. Have a track record and/or willingness to cooperate at national, regional or international level with other organisations working to protect children from sexual exploitation. 
  5. Be legally registered as an independent non-profit, non-governmental or charitable organisation​​​​​​ in compliance with the laws and regulation of its country of operation. 
  6. Have a governance structure with defined roles and responsibilities and decision-making processes that are transparent.  
  7. Have transparent financial systems and internal controls, including financial reporting and auditing and measures to prevent financial misconduct or fraud. 
  8. Have organisational policies and procedures to protect staff from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. 
  9. Have child safeguarding policies, procedures and practices that meet the foundation’s “Keeping Children Safe” policies and international safeguarding standards.  
  10. Report without delay any material incidents related to child safeguarding, financial misconduct and fraud incidents to the foundation.  
  11. Maintain good standing and credibility in the sector, with a track record of sound safeguarding and financial management practices and compliance with laws and regulations. 

A review that the standards are met is part of the application process and following that at least every five years. The review is led by ECPAT International and conducted jointly together with the ECPAT Organisation. 

For questions with regard to membership in ECPAT International, you may contact us at: membership@ecpat.org.