Capítulo 5: Descripción detallada de la solución
5.3 Descripción del software
5.3.2 Servicio de comunicación Modbus TCP/IP para la atención del PLC
• Ensure a children’s rights framework (recognition, protection, participation and empowerment) for child migrants and asylum seekers (“a child is a child”)
• Focus on the most vulnerable groups of children in the migration context (i.e., unaccompanied children)
• Connect to the international community: ratify international standards, reconsider reservations to the CRC and foster international cooperation in relation to migration
• States, as well as civil society organisations, should invest in programmes to enhance social solidarity and tolerance, and promote education and understanding, towards migrants, and in particular migrant children
• Address root causes of migration through international cooperation and support
3. Exploitation of children in various settings
The final part of the discussion was devoted to exploitation of children in various settings. It was acknowledged that exploitation of children should be understood broadly, covering many different settings, including economic exploitation, child labour, sexual exploitation and children in armed conflict. In addition, it was recognised that the digital environment poses specific challenges with regard to the protection of children against exploitation.
3.1 Child labour
First, the group discussed economic exploitation and the issue of child labour. This seems relevant for all ASEF countries (i.e., low-, middle and high-income countries). It was discussed that work as such is not necessarily problematic, but that it can relate to or result in hazardous forms of labour that are on strained terms with children’s rights. If work places children at risk of accidents or injuries, jeopardises children’s education or disregards the right to leisure and play of children, it must be regarded as problematic. The Working Group discussed examples of specific forms of problematic work for child at the domestic level and also touched upon the thin line between “helping hands” (e.g., children working within the family business) and “child labour”. The Working Group noted that there is generally less supervision in a family or private context, which may put children at a higher risk. It was also noted that while laws may be in place, countries are struggling with their implementation. The International Labour Organization has developed manuals that may be helpful in this regard. It was further noted that the eradication of worst forms of child labour has been included in the Sustainable Development Goals, in Target 8.7, which reads that States should “take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.”
3.2 Sexual exploitation
The Working Group briefly discussed the issue of child prostitution. One felt that there is big need to invest in treatment and reintegration of children who are victims of sexual exploitation. This requires ongoing attention, and the training of state actors, such as law enforcement, is critical. They should be sensitive to the specific needs of child victims; also if the latter engage with the criminal justice system, for example, as witnesses. They should also be trained in identifying children as victims of sexual exploitation.
It was furthermore noted that children belonging to minorities or placed in alternative care require special attention with regard to sexual exploitation. The issue was further addressed in relation to digitalisation and digital technologies. The negative impact of digital technologies and the need for international cooperation were discussed.
3.3 Children in armed conflict
The position of children in relation to armed conflict was briefly discussed. It was noted that there are differences in international standards, particularly with regard to age limits. It was also observed that the international community is moving towards a “straight 18” approach (see for example, the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, in addition to the CRC standard in Article 38), as an attempt to rule out the involvement of children in armed conflict, in its various forms. This also has implications for voluntary recruitment in armed forces. It was reiterated that the ending of recruitment and use of child as soldiers has become part of the sustainable development agenda.
3.4 Digital environment
While there was recognition that online environment can hold risks and threats for children, there was a consensus that it also has a great positive effect on their lives, through access to information, education, communication with peers, play, and more. The issue of cyber bullying was discussed, which is an issue of concern in many countries. Some participants argued that a child should not be left alone in his or her online environment. There is reason to communicate with children about their online activities (e.g., through parents and schools). It was observed that access to Internet is very easy and globally pervasive. As it is an important factor for children’s development, it therefore does not seem realistic to limit access to the Internet. Problems with the online environment are often connected to the offline world. For example, cyber bullying rarely occurs without a connection with offline bullying. Some examples of legislation and specific projects to address bullying and other problematic online behaviour of children (e.g., sexting) were discussed. It was agreed that governmental and community leadership is needed in implementing the right strategies. Parenting in the digital age was also discussed. It was noted that many parents find it difficult to keep up with the digital developments, and that in the end children are more connected to the digital world than their parents. It was felt that parents need support in order to be prepared to engage with their children about their online worlds and to recognise what the digital era brings in terms opportunities and risks. It is up to governments to step in and provide parents (and schools) with support. It was suggested that governmental support could be achieved through public campaigning or through the provision of information to parents soon after the birth of the child. Digital technologies develop fast, so it is important to keep up. A final issue that was mentioned concerned the involvement of non-state actors, including the private sector (e.g., telco and IT companies). There are examples of countries where the private sector plays an active role in informing children about the risks of online activities.
3.5 Special focus: Age limits and the balance between exploitation and evolving capacities
The Working Group paid some attention to children’s evolving capacities in relation to the right to be protected against exploitation (in its many forms). Although it may be regarded necessary to categorically exclude children from situations in which they run the risk of being exploited or subjected to harmful circumstances (e.g., in armed forces, prostitution, labour, etc.), it was felt by some participants that one should not overlook children’s agency and right to have decision-making powers and the right to participate. Protection of children against sexual exploitation, for example, should not disregard “normal” sexual behaviour of adolescents. The Working Group discussed the issue of age limits, which include context, culture, particular subjects and consequences of decisions. The age limits are very different and also inconsistent among and within different countries. Lowering the voting age, for example, could be seen as positive in light of children’s right to participate, it was argued. The question was raised if there is a need for the international normative framework to reconsider the legal age of children or that this is something that should be determined at the national level. Children on the move, for example, may be confronted with different age limits providing different levels of protection. Other issues relating to age limits that were mentioned included medical decision-making, for example gender modification and child marriage, which can also be a form of exploitation. Some participants commented that if children are not allowed to have decision-making powers, they should at least be able to participate in relation to policymaking on the issue.Selected Recommendations:
• In labour regulation, consider also children working at home and within families • Invest in the reintegration of child victims of sexual exploitation
• Support parents, community and schools on how to educate and join children online • Balancing participation and protection in the online and offline world:
o Draft a national policy or strategy on children’s rights protection, including online protection o Support child participation in policy design — at the level of government, communities,
schools and private sector
• Support more stringent law enforcement at national level, in relation to all forms of exploitation • Facilitate cross-national cooperation for online child pornography, trafficking and prostitution • Training of state actors (e.g., law enforcement) on child-sensitivity (child-victims)