CRC concluding observations 2023, paragraph 55
Plain English recommendation
Government should: (a) Ensure that all children under 18 who are victims of offences under the Optional Protocol are treated as victims, protected by the law and able to access remedies; (b) Change the Modern Slavery Act to clarify that children cannot consent to their own sale or exploitation; (c) Take steps to prevent children being sold and exploited, and prosecute those who commit these crimes, by: • requiring the digital business sector to introduce child protection standards • ensuring that internet service providers block and remove online material involving sexual abuse of children • Raise awareness among people working with children, parents, and the wider public to promote prevention.
Original UN recommendation
Recalling its guidelines regarding the implementation of the Optional Protocol and its previous recommendations, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Ensure that all children under 18 years of age, including 16- and 17-yearolds, who are victims of offences under the Optional Protocol, including sexual exploitation, sexual abuse material and sexual exploitation in prostitution, are treated as victims, receive adequate protection under the law and have access to remedies; (b) Amend the Modern Slavery Act to clarify that children can never consent to their own sale or exploitation; (c) Take all necessary measures to prevent, prosecute and eliminate the sale and exploitation of children including by: (i) requiring the digital business sector to put in place child protection standards; (ii) ensuring that Internet service providers control, block and promptly remove online sexual abuse material of children; and (iii) undertaking awareness-raising campaigns aimed at prevention for professionals working with and for children, parents and the public at large.
Date of UN examination
18/05/2023
Original UN document
Download the original CRC concluding observations 2023 on the UN website.