UN rights expert on protecting children from exploitation set to visit South Africa

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography is scheduled to begin a 10-day trip to South Africa today.

Juan Miguel Petit intends to use the visit to examine the situation of rape and sexual violence against children, the trafficking of children into and through South Africa, and the use of children in prostitution, according to a statement released in Geneva in advance of his trip. He said he would also seek further information about HIV/AIDS in the context of these abuses.

During his trip, which includes meetings in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, the Special Rapporteur will meet with different sectors of South African society, including governmental and non-governmental officials working in the areas of child protection, as well as private individuals.

The Special Rapporteur's report, including recommendations to the Government and civil society, will be presented to the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva next March.