SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF BOYS IN SOUTH ASIA A ...

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The Convention on the Rights of the Child contains four general principles or rights that cut
across all actions, decisions and other matters affecting a child. These are the right to nondiscrimination
(article 2); the best interests of the child (article 3); the right to life, survival
and development (article 6); and the right of the child to have his or her views heard and
taken into account (article 12). These rights need to be considered in all actions to address and
prevent child sexual abuse exploitation and trafficking and to assist children who have been
abused or exploited. The general measures of implementation are also important guidelines
for making the Convention a reality.
Primary consideration should be given to the best interests of the child in all actions
concerning the child, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions,
courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies (article 3.1). ‘The best interests’
determination is a key element of assistance and protection measures for child victims of
trafficking and for the design of effective prevention strategies.
Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle in human rights law, including in the
Convention on the Rights of the Child, and is a critical dimension in the development of laws,
policies and programmes for children. Discrimination is an experience that many children
who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation face and it is also a root cause of violence,
abuse and exploitation. Measures should be taken to address discriminatory laws and policies
and to ensure that there is equitable accessibility and quality of services available for all boys
and girls. This study demonstrates that boys do not always enjoy the same legal rights to be
protected from sexual abuse and exploitation as girls and they do not always have same
access to services – special measures therefore need to be taken to address this inequality. In
addition, the persistent gender discrimination against girls and women also needs to be
responded to.
Furthermore, child-friendly information and services must be provided that take children’s
diversities into account, such as gender, age, ethnicities and national origin, caste, religion,
sexual orientation, disabilities, etc. Awareness and capacity to challenge discrimination
should be provided to all stakeholders, including to parents, families and professionals
working with and for children.
Boys and girls should be recognized as social agents with the right and capacity to be
consulted on matters that affect them, to express their opinions freely and have those opinions
taken into account, and to seek, receive and impart information. Children have to be given the
opportunity to influence social policies and measures that address sexual abuse and
exploitation. Listening to children and learning from their experiences and recommendations
are key to designing and implementing effective preventive and protective mechanisms.
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