Position Paper: Cambodian Children’s Voices Against Online Sexual Exploitation

Cambodia, a nation grappling with socio-economic challenges, faces a significant threat to the well-being of its children: online child sexual exploitation (OCSE). According to Disrupting Harm, Report 2022 conducted by UNICEF and the partners revealed that 1 in 10 Cambodian children have been subjected to online sexual abuse and exploitation. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address this growing crisis. The increased access to the internet offers opportunities for learning and child development, but it also provides an anonymous platform for online child sexual exploitation, for example through live-streaming child sexual abuse, soliciting of nude photos of children, sex-texting, and grooming among others. The lack of awareness about online dangers, coupled with limited access to quality education exacerbates the situation, leaving children exposed to the perils of the digital world.

Grooming is a concerning danger for children

How was the position paper created?

To address this pressing issue of online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) in Cambodia, Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) has been implementing the Safety for Children and their Rights OnLine (SCROL) programme since October 2022 by partnering with local NGOs, government agencies, and youth in Cambodia. A recent workshop, organised by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) in partnership with the Cambodia National Council for Children (CNCC), brought together 20 youth representatives, NGOs, and government representatives to amplify the voices of children and youth in developing the effective strategies to combat this growing threat.

Read the position paper in English

Read the position paper in Khmer

Key Recommendations by the Youth Representatives

In this position paper, the youth representatives called for stronger legal frameworks to protect children online, including the swift adoption and effective implementation of comprehensive child protection laws. They also advocated for comprehensive online safety education and simplified information on OCSE to empower children to protect themselves. Furthermore, they demanded stricter content moderation policies, tougher penalties for offenders, and improved collaboration between law enforcement, internet service providers, and social media platforms to combat online child sexual exploitation.

To address the needs of survivors of exploitation, the youth representatives urged for accessible and confidential victim support services. They also emphasised the importance of empowering youth to become agents of change in their communities through youth-led initiatives and campaigns.

How will the position paper be disseminated?

This position paper, which reflects the inputs collected from Cambodian children and youth, will serve as a reference for the mid-term review of the Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to OCSE 2021-25 and the development of the National Plan to End Violence Against Children 2025-2030 so that children’s voices receive the highest consideration for the effective prevention and response to OCSE in Cambodia.

By sharing these recommendations, Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) aims to raise awareness about the issue of online child sexual exploitation and to advocate for stronger policies and practices to protect children. Through collaborative efforts and collective action, we can create a safer online environment for Cambodia's children.