The problem of protecting children from sexual exploitation: 17 years of struggle since the signing of the Lanzarote Convention
17 years ago, Ukraine took an important step in the fight against sexual violence against children by joining the Lanzarote Convention. This is an international document designed to protect the rights of children from sexual exploitation and violence, obliges states to criminally prosecute crimes of child prostitution, as well as to ensure the protection of victims in order to prevent the deepening of traumatic consequences for affected children. During this time, many steps were taken in Ukraine on the way to the implementation of these obligations. However, the problem of child exploitation remains relevant and requires constant efforts to improve the system of justice and protection.
Lanzarote Convention: basic requirements and their meaning
The convention calls on all signatory countries to implement clear measures against sexual exploitation of children, criminal prosecution of perpetrators and establishment of legal and social mechanisms for the protection of children who have suffered from violence. One of the important conditions of the convention is to follow a protective approach when working with child victims in order to avoid re-traumatization that may occur as a result of their participation in court proceedings. This approach is important because trauma suffered by a child can have lasting effects on their mental and emotional state, and support during the legal process helps to minimize these risks.
Activities of juvenile prosecutors: new approaches and standards
As point out in the Office of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine, juvenile prosecutors are actively working on the implementation of standards that meet international requirements and allow to avoid re-traumatization of the child. In 2023, a pilot project was launched in Ukraine, which provides for the implementation of standards of child-friendly justice. This project has already covered most regions of the country, ensuring the protection of children and helping them go through the justice process in conditions that are as safe and comfortable as possible.
In April of this year, the Prosecutor General approved new standards for the work of juvenile prosecutors with children in criminal proceedings. All efforts are aimed at reducing the risk of re-traumatization of children during investigations and legal proceedings. Procedural actions with affected children are organized in such a way as to minimize their participation in the investigation. They are held remotely with the participation of psychologists, in a child-friendly environment that reduces stress and helps children feel safe.
Child protection centers based on the “Barnachus” model
Ukraine is actively working on expanding the network of Child Protection Centers created according to the Barnahus model. This model envisages an integrated service for children who have suffered from violence. In such centers, children can receive psychological help, medical support and legal advice in one place, which reduces the need for multiple repetitions of traumatic events during investigative and judicial processes. In addition, Ukraine is creating a Register of psychologists who specialize in working with children in criminal cases of sexual violence, which significantly increases the quality of support.
Thanks to such centers, child victims and minor witnesses avoid excessive participation in investigative measures, which protects their psycho-emotional health and interests. In practice, it looks like this: the child is interviewed only once, with her permission, under the supervision of an experienced psychologist, and all information is recorded to avoid the need for repeated testimony.
An example in Volyn: the trial of a female recruiter
One of the examples of the work of new child protection methods is the case in Volyn, where a woman is accused of recruiting underage girls under the pretext of employment abroad. The investigation established that she promised work as models or waitresses, but in fact intended to force them into prostitution. One of the injured girls was illegally transported by a woman to Italy and forced to provide sexual services. In total, the investigation identified at least four girls affected by her actions.
During the investigation, the victims were interrogated with the participation of legal representatives and a psychologist, and they were provided with free legal assistance. The interrogations took place on the basis of the Protection Center based on the “Barnachus” model, where the victims received not only legal, but also comprehensive social and psychological assistance. This approach is part of the international standards that Ukraine undertook to implement by joining the Lanzarote Convention.
Problems and challenges on the way to the full implementation of the Lanzarote Convention in Ukraine
Despite significant progress in implementing child protection standards, Ukraine still has many challenges to overcome. One of these is an imperfect system for identifying children affected by violence, especially in remote and rural areas. Additional funds are also needed to expand the network of Child Protection Centers, train employees and attract more specialists.
Another problem is the stigmatization of child victims, which is still present in society. This prevents many children and their families from seeking help, as the fear of judgment can outweigh the desire to find protection and support. Thus, the state faces a task not only to improve the legal and social system, but also to work on raising public awareness of the importance of protecting children’s rights.
So, 17 years after signing the Lanzarote Convention, Ukraine has taken significant steps to create a system to protect children from sexual exploitation and violence, but this work needs constant improvement and attention. The implementation of international standards of child-friendly justice, as well as the development of Child Protection Centers and the training of specialists are all necessary conditions for children in Ukraine to feel protected and to be able to rebuild their lives after the traumas they have experienced. Success in this depends on the willingness of the state to continue working on strengthening the system of protection of children’s rights, so that no child is left alone with trauma.
