The World Congress

Introduction | Definition of Terms | The Asian Context | The World Congress | The Declaration and Agenda for Action | Recommendations | Links

For the first time, representatives of such organizations met to create awareness and to draw international attention to the problems of the commercial sexual exploitation of children. In addition, the Congress also served to promote the development of national plans of action to combat all forms of such exploitation in the specific contexts in which they occur.

To this end, the Congress adopted a Declaration and an Agenda for Action, which is expected to guide governments in developing their own country-specific plans.

Here are some excerpts from some keynote speeches delivered at the World Congress.

"If we do accept a world in which children can be bought and sold as if they are goods in a supermarket, we forfeit the right to call ourselves civilised."

Ron O'Grady, ECPAT International Coordinator

"We must help children who are in the sex market. We must help them find productive and healthy alternatives, to help reintegrate them into their communities. But in the meantime, we must also help them while they are still in the sex trade. They need health care and information, skills training and education, protection from violence, psychological counseling, programmes against substance abuse, and love and acceptance by society. There is no single remedy from this complex problem. Solutions must arise from the diverse national, local and cultural realities in which the commercial sexual exploitation of children is grounded."

Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF

"You can never let our vision of what is possible be limited by what appear to be invincible obstacles ... much can be achieved in no time if there is commitment, dedication and cooperation. .... Much has been achieved during this Congress, but the most important work remains to be done. When you return home you must make the words of the Declaration and Agenda for Action come alive. Implementation units which provide for the broadest possible participation should be established, as well as coalitions which build bridges between NGOs, governments, the private sector and all other disciplines represented in this great hall today."

Her Majesty Queen Sylvia of Sweden

"I hope you will not only listen but you will act."

Vera, Youth Participant from the Philippines

Next: The Declaration and Agenda for Action

Introduction | Definition of Terms | The Asian Context | The World Congress | The Declaration and Agenda for Action | Recommendations | Links