Two UN experts urge stepped-up efforts to protect children's rights

United Nations experts dealing with the exploitation of children and their subjection to violence today urged intensified international attention to widespread abuses committed against these young victims.

Addressing the Geneva-based UN Commission on Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Juan Miguel Petit, said current efforts to battle these ills are plagued by continued impunity for perpetrators. He questioned whether the international community was truly seeking to construct a human rights regime that provided effective protection for children.

In his written report to the Commission, Mr. Petit points out that successful prevention policies require political will, a sound knowledge base, an institutional presence and coordination among different institutions. The participation of children and their families is also essential, he writes, adding that successful interventions are a combination of activities that attack the problem on different fronts in a holistic manner.

Also addressing the Commission today, the Independent Expert in charge of the Secretary-General's study on violence against children, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, said he would seek to construct an in-depth picture of violence against children, documenting the magnitude, incidence and consequences of the problem while offering recommendations to help tackle it. The process should afford the international community the chance to spotlight the issue, he said.

Mr. Pinheiro said the study would focus on violence against children in the family as well as in the community, including schools, care and residential institutions, detention facilities and prisons. Particular attention would be paid to the impact of discrimination on patterns of violence against children.

Created in 1946, the 53-member Commission is currently holding its annual session, which runs through 23 April.