Global meetings raise awareness of online child sexual abuse

November has been a busy month for VGT members, with VGT representatives presenting at a number of conferences to increase awareness of online child exploitation and address new methods to eradicate this crime.

ECPAT International Assembly
The VGT participated in End Child Prostitution Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes network’s (ECPAT International)’s fifth General Assembly last week, along with ECPAT groups from over 70 countries.

This global gathering was held in Paris, France from 8 – 10 November 2011, to re-confirm the commitment of the ECPAT global network to end the sexual exploitation of children.

The VGT was represented by Gabrielle Shaw, Head of International and Relations, Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre in the UK.

Ms Shaw presented workshops on Information and Communications Technology and online exploitation of children and collaboration with law enforcement.
 
Specifically, Ms Shaw’s discussions focussed on the law enforcement response to tackling online crimes against children and the effectiveness of collaborative approaches with law enforcement agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.

For more information on the ECPAT International Assembly, visit the ECPAT website.

Europol Child Sexual Exploitation Experts Conference
The annual Europol Child Sexual Exploitation Experts Conference was held 8-10 November in the Netherlands, focused on the following themes: Online Child Abuse, Travelling Sex Offenders and Public-Private Cooperation.

The conference was chaired by Europol’s Senior Specialist, and VGT Advisory Board member Valerio Papajorgji, and was attended by more than 100 delegates coming from five continents (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America).

For more information on the Europol Conference, visit the Europol website.

Cyber Octopus
VGT Chair Neil Gaughan presented at the Cyber Octopus Conference which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Budapest Convention held 21 – 23 November in France. Topics covered included cybercrime threats and trends, implementation of the Budapest Convention and policies and initiatives on cybercrime.

During this conference, a declaration of intent was signed between the Council of Europe and the VGT, highlighting the importance of partnerships in the fight against online child sexual abuse. Utilising the Council of Europe’s existing legislative frameworks pertaining to cyber crime and child protection, the VGT submitted a Resolution at the INTERPOL General Assembly last month. This Resolution received unanimous support and will assist and guide countries around the world requiring child protection laws or wishing to enhance current child protection legislation.

For more information on the Cyber Octopus Conference, visit the Council of Europe website.

INHOPE Conference
VGT Chair Neil Gaughan also presented at the INHOPE Conference in Rome between 17 – 18 November. The conference aimed to build pathways to a more productive global footprint between law enforcement, industry and hotlines in an effort to address child sexual abuse material and other online crimes against children and was attended by 120 delegates.

More information on the INHOPE Conference is available here.