UN rights expert to visit Brazil to investigate sexual exploitation of children

A United Nations advocate for children's rights will visit Brazil next month, at the invitation of the Government, to assess whether youngsters are being sold and sexually exploited.

The Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Juan Miguel Petit, is scheduled to be in Brazil from 3 to 14 November.

Mr. Petit is expected to visit Brasilia, Belém, Salvador, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where he will meet government authorities, representatives of the judiciary, and elected officials, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations.

His report on the mission will be presented at the 60th session of the 53-member, Geneva-based Commission next March and April.