Splintered Lives - Barnardo's

The COE also supports moves to make nationals responsible for criminal acts
committed outside respective countries:
"extraterritorial jurisdiction in order to allow the prosecution and punishment of
nationals who have committed offenses concerning sexual exploitation of children
outside the national territory" (p6).
Increased information exchange through Interpol is suggested in order to identify
offenders and organisers, especially in relation to trafficking. This is echoed by Groner
(1993) who argues for a Europol/lnterpol clearing house.
Neither the COE or UN documents note the importance of tracking and destroying child
pornography following a conviction; yet this would constitute an element of justice for
children and young people who have to live with the knowledge of the existence of
records of their abuse.
At the Brussels seminar participants were made aware of an ongoing debate within the
UN about whether an optional protocol on sexual exploitation should be developed
which would be linked to the Convention on the Rights of Child, Reflecting on the issues
subsequently we are of the opinion that unless such a protocol adds significantly to
what is already within the convention, and is legally binding, this is likely to be a waste
of resources and energy. International and, for many countries, national law already
exists; the problem lies in enforcement and political will. The telling points made in 'the
discussion for us were: the money that would be spent enabling the drafting of a
protocol versus the need to properly resource the special rapporteur; that time spent
working up the proposal may well become time of inaction; and the fact that there are
already 60 pages of international decisions directly pertaining to this issue.
Other issues which have implications for a children's rights framework, which we have
not already addressed are discussed below (in no order of importance).
Questions about pornography and prostitution not being key issues in either child
protection practice or that of agencies which provide support, advice, housing and
advocacy for young people. Workers need education and training so that these issues
become areas of knowledge and confidence. This will need to include challenging
stereotypes about 'sex work', and understanding complex processes and meanings,
especially for young people, where prostitution can appear to them the best of
few/minimal choices, a form of power and control.
Discussion of the policy within some fostering and adoption agencies of not telling
carers about the level, forms and scale of abuse children have experienced. Where vital
information is withheld carers can make unintended errors of judgement regarding
everyday unquestioned behaviour involving, for example, cameras, gifts etc, which
have complicated meanings for children which they are unaware of.
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