The UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material, Mama Fatima Singhateh, will visit the Philippines from 28 November to 8 December 2022.
The Special Rapporteur will examine the protection of children against sexual exploitation, child marriage, child-trafficking for sexual exploitation, the exploitation of children living in the streets, and the sale of children through illegal adoptions, among other concerns.
She will assess the situation and the progress made in combating and preventing the sale and sexual exploitation of children in light of international human rights norms and standards.
Singhateh is visiting the Philippines at the invitation of the Government, and will hold discussions in Bohol, Cebu, Cotabato, Manila, Pampanga and Valenzuela with representatives of the executive, legislature and judiciary, local and municipal authorities, civil society organisations, child shelters, members of the international community, children as well as the local communities.
The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference at the end of her visit, on Thursday 8 December 2022 at 1 pm local time at the Makati Diamond Residences, 118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, to share her preliminary observations. Access will be strictly limited to media and journalists.
She will present a comprehensive report of her country visit to the Human Rights Council in March 2024.