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1. An Introduction to the Private Sector,Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Childrenand the Primary Mechanisms involved inIsolating the TwoThe private sector is involved in commercial sexual exploitation of children. Whetherthe exploitation is the result of commission or omission on its part may be subject todebate, however, the private sector’s connection to this fundamental violation of children’srights is undeniable. 2 At minimum, four sub-sectors within the realm of private enterprisehave habitually been associated with CSEC: The first sub-sector involves the travel andtourism industries. This category has taken the lead in the last few years in confronting theproblem and developing innovative strategies to combat the phenomena. A second subsectorincludes the media industries. These businesses comprise journalists, photographers,television and film producers, acting and modelling agencies, and advertising firms. Althoughsome positive initiatives have been noted, there is consensus among child advocacy groups,and the industries themselves, that not enough has been done to protect children from theharms associated with these trades. The third sub-sector represents new technologies. Thisrelatively young set of businesses has received a considerable amount of attention since theUnited Nations (UN) co-organised the First World Congress against Commercial SexualExploitation in Stockholm (First World Congress) in 1996. No doubt the Internet hasassisted child advocates in getting their positive message across in an effective and efficientmanner, but it has also helped those who violate the rights of children accomplish theirabuse cloaked in complete anonymity. The fourth, and newest sub-sector within the privatesector, is the financial alliance. Notably absent from the discourse until recently, financialpartners have begun to organise and direct their technical knowledge and expertise tocombating the commercial trade of child abuse image through credit card, bank draft andother monetary transactions.This report will examine each of the sub-sectors of the private industry noted above,identifying the individuals and groups involved and their efforts in eliminating CSECor, in some cases, perpetuating it. Although the obstacles or concerns of each project willbe reviewed, the central focus of the study will remain on “best practices” and “lessonslearned”; in particular, the use of corporate social responsibility tools to reduce theincidence of commercial sexual exploitation of children within the respective industrieswill be explored. The emphasis on positive outcomes will hopefully demonstrate that goodwork can indeed be accomplished through an acknowledgement of the problem, coupledwith a determination to make a difference in the lives of children.4|Private Sector Accountability in Combating the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children