The sexual abuse of children is a serious form of violence against children, and it is reviled in every country in the world. The creation, publication and repeated distribution of images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is also a crime in virtually every jurisdiction. CSAM is both a consequence of and fuel for further abuse.
UNODC, in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom, convened an expert group meeting in Vienna on 26-27 June 2023. The objectives of the meeting were to discuss some of the gaps and limitations in current approaches to the problem and to formulate new ways to accomplish the twin goals of removal of CSAM images online, linked to a comprehensive strategy to prevent the re-upload of known CSAM.
The meeting brought together experts in their individual capacities. Participants included child protection and criminal justice experts, academics, representatives of civil society organizations, the private sector and financial institutions.
The Vienna expert group meeting on CSAM removal will produce a chair’s summary and overview and follow up on any recommendations that might be announced.
Useful links from the UK Mission in Vienna:
Press release: 73 countries call to remove online child sexual abuse materials
Call to action: Removing child sexual exploitation and abuse materials: call to action
More Resources
https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/
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