ECPAT NZ
Every Child’s Right - Freedom from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

www.ecpat.org.nz

Media Release Thursday June 1st 2006

ECPAT New Zealand welcomes the publication of the Stocktake on the Protecting Our Innocence – the National Plan of Action against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in New Zealand. It is important that the positive work undertaken by government and non-government agencies is acknowledged.

Yesterday in Christchurch a man with a collection of 115,000 objectionable images – many of children was fined $2200. His hoard of child pornography graphically illustrates the level of demand that results in children being sexually exploited.

Two men currently on trial for the rape of a seventeen year old girl offer as their defence they believed she was a prostitute. It is an illegal to engage anyone under eighteen in prostitution.

Jane Foster, National Director of ECPAT New Zealand said;

‘We agree with the Minister when he says there is no room for complacency. There is evidence everyday that sexual exploiters - whether on-line or seeking underage prostitutes pose a serious risk to the safety of children in New Zealand.’

She commented;

‘We look forward to the Minister announcing the positive steps he intends to take to overcome complacency. The need to coordinate action against these threats to children’s safety is urgent.’

Recently the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Rosslyn Noonan called for a comprehensive programme to combat Child Prostitution. ECPAT New Zealand supports this call for action and resources and urges the government to respond quickly.

ECPAT NZ is part of a global network committed to end sexual exploitation of children.

ENDS

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