Down to Zero Annual Report 2020
The DtZ Annual Report 2020 is the final report of the Down to Zero Alliance programme 2016-2020. The Down to Zero (DtZ) Alliance is a partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), led by Terre des Hommes, with Defence for Children-ECPAT, Free a Girl, ICCO (part of Cordaid) and Plan International Netherlands. The programme aims to end Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC) in ten countries. This report focuses mainly on the final year, yet it also contains some reflection on the entire 5 year programme period.
The year 2020 has been exceptionally challenging due to Covid-19. Yet DtZ partners have been able to adjust to the lockdowns, curfews and other measures. They engaged with their beneficiaries online or where possible in small groups and have been extremely adaptive and creative in changing to unprecedented circumstances.
Despite good results and significant progress, Sexual Exploitation of Children is still a reality. Even more so due to the Covid-19 outbreak and its socio-economic impact: children have become more vulnerable due to isolation, exposure to online dangers, reduced income and loss of jobs in their households. The DtZ Alliance will continue to tackle Sexual Exploitation of Children, in the Building Back Better programme, aiming to ensure that children and youth are better protected when at risk or victim of sexual exploitation, during and in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.