Celebrated annually between 24-31 October, Global Media and Information Literacy Week emphasises the importance of access to factual, timely, accessible, and clear information for all, particularly those living in countries affected by the digital divide.
Since 1990, ECPAT has been working to understand the sexual exploitation of children, which is a complex and layered issue manifested in several forms, and develop actionable solutions through evidence-based research. Globally, we conduct multi-country research studies that include in–depth legal analysis of local child protection laws, interviews with frontline workers, and include the testimony of survivors of child sexual exploitation. Click here to find out more about our research.
We believe that this information should be made accessible to everyone.
Regardless of whether they are government workers, legal experts, or parents and caregivers of children, the information that we collect matters. That is why in addition to publishing in-depth reports, we curate stories, podcasts, and animations that summarise our research findings in a more easy to digest manner.
To commemorate Global Media and Information Literacy Week this year—and beyond—we have compiled an information pack on what you need to know about the sexual exploitation of children—including its various manifestations and the proper terminology to use.
ECPAT has published several summary papers providing an overview of the various manifestations of child sexual exploitation, such as:
We believe that using the right words matter! In our global efforts to respect, protect, and implement the rights of the child, we need to be able to use consistent language and terminology.
ECPAT has established an Interagency Working Group to develop an easy-to-understand guide on the legal terms to use and avoid.
The goal is to enhance knowledge and awareness about the words that are appropriate to use, which are not, why it is important to use the right terminology for child protection, and what are the terminology differences and challenges between several languages.
Amplifying the voices of child survivors of sexual exploitation is central to ECPAT’s research on the issue. We work with frontline workers, civil society organisations, government stakeholders, local authorities, and child survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse, to ensure that children’s rights are upheld.
Global Boys Initiative
A 10 country research project exploring the sexual exploitation of boys
A collaboration between ECPAT International, INTERPOL, and UNICEF on online child sexual exploitation and abuse
A campaign dedicated to ensuring child safety online in the European Union
Research that centres the experiences of survivors of child sexual exploitation and abuse
