Into the web: fighting against online sexual exploitation

In order to address the rampant issue of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Philippines.

This is on behalf of the SaferKidsPH Consortium, an Australian government initiative that is implemented in partnership with Save the Children Philippines, the Asia Foundation, and UNICEF Philippines. Under this partnership, ANZCHAM commits to supporting advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising activities to keep Filipino children safe online.

“The work of SaferKidsPH isn’t limited to our governments and civil society partners. To succeed we must also involve communities, families, media, other development partners, and you, the business community. This could be through raising the awareness of your employees on this issue, promoting child-sensitive business practices, and supporting safe spaces and practices in schools and communities,” said Richard Sisson, Chargé d’affaires of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children and youth are more at risk of OSAEC as they spend more time online during the quarantine. Beyond that, the economic strain on their families can make them more vulnerable to engaging in or falling victim to OSAEC. It is an alarming global concern, with millions of children being forced to perform sexual acts online, or being blackmailed for sexual purposes.

In the Philippines, 1 in 2 children is a victim of violence on the internet, according to a government study. The government has also seen an increase of about 260 percent in reports of online child abuse materials from March to May 2020.

“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a top priority of UNICEF’s Program of Cooperation with the Philippine Government for 2019 to 2023. Together with our partners, we are committed to improving child protection systems to address and prevent OSAEC,” said UNICEF Philippines Country Representative, Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.

UNICEF Philippines is supporting a targeted program to strengthen the capacity of government systems, parents, caregivers, and community members to protect children from all forms of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

UNICEF Philippines has also partnered with the Japanese government to aid the nation amid the pandemic. Read here to find out more.

Back in 2016, the Philippine Kids Online Survey, conducted by UNICEF and supported by the Australian Government, stated that nearly half of child respondents said the internet is not safe for them. Two in 10 children are vulnerable to OSAEC, and boys are as vulnerable as girls. In 2018, at least 600,000 child abuse materials of Filipino children, including infants, were shared and sold online.

The threat of OSAEC is evident, which is why it is important for everyone in the nation to band together and fight against it. It is possible to create a safe and positive virtual space for all Filipino children and youth. A place wherein they can freely express themselves, keep in touch with their peers, and expand their knowledge further. So, combat OSAEC in any way you can for the future of this generation and the next.

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