Strategies for international cooperation

III UN WORLD CONGRESS AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT – RIO DE JANEIRO 25-28 NOVEMBER 2008

HIGH LEVEL GOVERNMETAL DIALOGUE
NOVEMBER 28TH – INTRODUCTION:
 
“Strategies for international cooperation”

Deputy Minister Kjell Erik Øie
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Children and Equality

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Dear friends,
I am a Deputy Minister but I speak to you both as a politician and a father.

Exploitation of children is taking new forms and is developing in a rapid manner through the Internet, the use of mobile phones and so forth. The Norwegian Government has these issues high on the agenda. To give you an example of an effective measure; when surfing the Internet for child pornography a sign will pop up and tell you that you are now entering a prohibited area and access is blocked. Feel free to steel the idea.

We need to be aware, and just last week a child pornography circle in Norway was exposed and 19 persons were arrested.

I must mention that the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and associated protocols have been incorporated into the Human Rights Act and apply as Norwegian law. This means that when there are legislative conflicts the right of the child is given priority.

Abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents is often related to poverty, armed conflicts, displacement, poor educational opportunities and a lack of structures ensuring children adequate and effective protection. We need to address the root causes and it calls for a broad cooperation. The UN study on violence against children brought together the United Nations.

I would like to highlight two important issues that as not had enough attention so far.

First it is essential that we discuss the reproductive rights of young girls that have become pregnant as a result of sexual abuse and rape. Secondly, we also need to keep in mind that sexual abuse and violation of children right’s may happen in children’s own homes and by their caretakers. Those who are supposed to protect the children may actually be the perpetrators. And we must remind ourselves that this is not only a problem in poor families, this kind of abuse may also occur in well educated, affluent and presumably well functioning nuclear families. The families must not be seen a closed cells without transparency. These two issues must not only be discussed within countries, but in between countries.

Improved methods on how to talk to children that have been abused is crucial. But first and foremost we have to be brave enough to see the signs and ask the difficult questions.

I would like to conclude my short introduction by reminding us all of the importance of keeping a child-oriented perspective in our effort on combating violence and abuse against children and adolescents. This is consistent with the UN Convention of the rights of the child, and in order to achieve such a starting point, children’s voice need to be heard. It requires good systems ensuring that children are listened to and taken seriously. Well-functioning structures that allow children and adolescents to actually influence the policy making is what we need now.

Ladies and gentlemen. It’s Friday and we are almost on our way back to our countries. Let’s bring home ideas, idealism, hope and move on from talking to acting. Have a safe journey back home.

Thank you for your attention!