Measures adopted to prevent offences prohibited under the Optional Protocol
23. The Committee regrets that the approach of existing policies, programmes and administrative measures to prevent offences under the Optional Protocol, is law-enforcement oriented to the detriment of a broader approach centred on the life and development of children. The Committee notes with particular concern that:
(d) Limited or no attention is paid to children in vulnerable situations, such as children living in poverty, migrant children, children living in difficult family situations, including runaway and homeless children, native American children especially females, boys who tend to be throwaways and runaways, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children, adolescent girls and “in-system” children, who are particularly at risk of becoming victims of the offences covered under the Optional Protocol.
24. The Committee urges the State party, to:
(a) Promote awareness and understanding of social norms and perceptions regarding child prostitution and child pornography with a view to changing attitudes and behaviour of those demanding sexual services and of officials enforcing the law in order to prevent child sexual exploitation, whether for commercial or other reasons, and avoid victimization of children. In so doing, focus on family and community efforts to establish the safeguards and barriers required for prevention and protection of children, including the liability of parents;
(d) Undertake research on root causes, public awareness programmes and public debates in order to identify and protect the most vulnerable children, including children living in poverty, migrant children, children living in difficult family situations, including runaway and homeless children, native American children especially females, boys who tend to be throwaways and runaways, LGBT children, adolescent girls and “in-system” children, who are at particular risk of being victims of the offences covered under the Optional Protocol, and provide them with the necessary support and assistance;
(e) Develop school-based prevention and early intervention programmes and involve all key stakeholders and children; and,
(f) Consult and enlist children and young people whose experience and insights can help identify areas for intervention, can design relevant solutions and act as strategic informants of research.
Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CRC-OPSC-United States of America-2013-eng