We are witnessing a clear increase in the sexual exploitation of children, both offline and online. Although statistics show a rise, it is our duty not to be disheartened but to actively participate in improving existing mechanisms and finding new preventive activities at the local, regional, and global levels to decisively address this phenomenon.
One way to achieve this is by collaborating with other organizations and being a part of global networks aimed at protecting children and children’s rights, as well as their overall well-being. One of the most significant networks is the global ECPAT network for ending the sexual exploitation of children, which originated as a global campaign launched in May 1990 in Thailand by a small group of dedicated activists and today includes over 122 organizations worldwide.
The Center for Missing and Exploited Children has officially become a member of this global network, signing an agreement in collaboration with the Network of Organizations for Children of Serbia – MODS. Under this agreement, the Center will jointly operate as ECPAT Serbia within the ECPAT network.
MODS Director Saša Stefanović emphasized that collaboration among organizations is crucial for overcoming challenges related to child safety.
“It is important to have organizations like the Center within the Network that prioritize child safety and security. I believe that through cooperation, we can achieve much more for the well-being of every child,” said Stefanović.
The President of the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Igor Jurić, agrees with the President of MODS.
“For me and my team, this is a significant achievement. The fact that our efforts and commitment have been recognized by international organizations and networks for child protection is proof that the work we are doing is being done properly,” said Jurić. He added that he looks forward to collaborating and participating in addressing pressing issues related to the sexual exploitation of children and improving child safety, both nationally and globally.
The mission of ECPAT members is to prevent all forms of child sexual exploitation, including exploitation through prostitution, human trafficking, child marriage, and all forms of online sexual abuse.
According to the ECPAT team, violence against children, including sexual exploitation and abuse, affects approximately one billion children worldwide.
“Our research has shown that no country or region is ‘immune’ to these issues. Unfortunately, violence occurs among children from all socio-economic groups, educational levels, ethnic and cultural groups, and in every geographic region.”
Therefore, to end these crimes, it is essential to combine all available knowledge and resources. ECPAT continuously conducts research, gathers information from various sectors and countries around the world, all with the aim of forming a reliable and professional approach to addressing the problem of child sexual exploitation.
