Second World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

May 26, 2000

As a follow-up to the first World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, which took place in Stockholm from 27 to 31 August 1996, the Japanese Government has decided to host a Second World Congress in co-operation with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking in Children for Sexual Purposes) and the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Second World Congress will be held in Yokohama from 17 to 20 December 2001.
The aim of the Second World Congress is to review progress in implementing the Agenda for Action adopted in Stockholm, and to strengthen action to eradicate commercial sexual exploitation.
In view of the importance of partnership among all the actors concerned, we will seek wide participation of governments at senior political levels, relevant international governmental and non-governmental organizations and youth representation. With these partners, we are committed to eradicate the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Details of the Congress and the preparatory process will become available following further discussions between the co-organizers. Updated information on the Second World Congress will be found on the home page of "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj) (Japanese only), ECPAT (http://www.ecpat.net) and UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org).

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