New guidelines on implementing the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

Date: 7th October 2019
Category: UNCRC Optional Protocols and General Comments

---

The guidelines aim to further implementation of the UNCRC and the Optional Protocol, in light of developments in the digital environment and its emerging linkage to sexual offences against children.

The UNCRC and Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OPSC) represent the most comprehensive international legal instruments that promote and safeguard the rights of the child and protect children from these forms of abuse.

The new guidelines also have the objective of supporting and strengthening initiatives and efforts undertaken by countries to better fulfil their obligations under the OPSC.

The guidelines are structured in several sections, including:

• General measures of implementation
• Prevention of the offences covered by the OPSC
• Prohibition of the offences covered by the OPSC
• Sanctions
• Jurisdiction and extradition
• The child victim’s right to assistance and protection in legal proceedings
• The child victim’s right to recovery, family and social reintegration and compensation
• Mutual legal assistance and international cooperation

Read the Guidelines.

Read more about the Optional Protocols on the UNCRC.