Description:
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The Special Rapporteur visited Estonia from 20 to 24 October 2008. The present report examines the incidence of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and highlights the international and national legal framework pertaining to these issues and to the child protection system of Estonia more generally, including the availability of specific measures designed to protect child victims of sale or sexual exploitation, such as rehabilitation and social reintegration. The Special Rapporteur notes a significant political commitment in Estonia to prioritize the rights of the child. While the number of reported cases of child prostitution and child pornography is low, the Special Rapporteur is of the view that vigilance is required and that efforts should be directed towards prevention. Concrete actions to be implemented include the adoption of legislative amendments, efficient training of police, particularly in detecting cases of sexual exploitation of children and online child pornography, ensuring that programmes and policies are sustainable and accessible throughout the country, and strengthening of the non-governmental and civil society sector. The Special Rapporteur recalls the importance of a holistic approach to the fundamental rights of children, paving the way for the implementation of social policies that favour children, youth and the family. |
