ECPAT International Calls For Action To Protect Children During COVID-19 Outbreak

Leaders and activists from around the world have come together to share their concerns, call for action and pledge their support to protect children from the heightened risk of violence, and to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on children in every country and community. ECPAT International is one of the 21 organizations to have signed the statement.

The statement specifically references in the increased risk of online exploitation and abuse during this unprecedented time:

“A third of the global population is on COVID-19 lockdown, and school closures have impacted more than 1.5 billion children. Movement restrictions, loss of income, isolation, overcrowding and high levels of stress and anxiety are increasing the likelihood that children experience and observe physical, psychological and sexual abuse at home – particularly those children already living in violent or dysfunctional family situations. And while online communities have become central to maintain many children’s learning, support and play, it is also increasing their exposure to cyberbullying, risky online behavior and sexual exploitation.”

As a member of the ECPAT network, ECPAT-USA is part of a coalition of organizations in over 100 countries, working together toward one common mission: to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children.

Read the full statement here.