Representative Chris Smith Highlights ECPAT-USA's Work In Remarks to OSCE

As governments around the world seek the best ways to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and its many longterm effects, Representative Chris Smith made sure to call attention to the increased risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking in these unprecedented circumstances during an online meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Rep. Smith is currently the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Human Trafficking Issues.

“While all of us are focused almost exclusively on combating the coronavirus pandemic and seeking ways to mitigate its horrific health and economic consequences, one highly disturbing fact has emerged that has been largely ignored—the pandemic has put women and children at higher risk of exploitation, abuse and trafficking,” Rep. Smith said.

Rep. Smith went onto highlight ECPAT-USA’s recent work concerning online exploitation, including our youth and parent guides to healthy internet habits, and called attention to their utility for families not only in the U.S. but worldwide.

“I respectfully ask ODIHR to disseminate these guides as quickly as possible and to the greatest number of people.  Knowledge is power,” he said.

The Representative’s full remarks are available here.