pornography and the sexual exploitation of children is a global PROBLEM....starting right here in our community. we know this and we worry about this. one person is making a difference already and she wants your help. i want to help by trying to learn more about the problem and how to go about PROTECTING and PREVENTING exposure..."In this world so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges, you can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. You can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right." ~Gordon B. Hinkley
"Today we live in a world where almost everyone agrees that anyone below 18 years old is a child and has the right to special care and protection." - UNICEF
"The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights agreement in the world. It details your rights and how they should be applied in its 54 articles, plus two optional extras (or 'protocols').
Although the Convention has 54 articles in all, it is guided by four fundamental principles:
- Non-discrimination (2): you should neither benefit nor suffer because of your race, colour, gender, language, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, or because of any political or other opinion; because of your caste, property or birth status; or because you are disabled.
- The best interests of the child (3): laws and actions affecting children should put your best interests first and benefit you in the best possible way.
- Survival, development and protection (6): the authorities in your country must protect you and help ensure your full development — physical, spiritual, moral and social.
- Participation (12): you have a right to have your say in decisions that affect you, and to have you opinions taken into account.
Adults need information, education and training too! But the media often fail to cover this issue at all. If they do, they tend to treat it in a thoughtless, over-simple and sensational way, as if it were a crime/sex thriller, or a glamorous and profitable option. News stories may portray exploiters simply as 'evil' criminals, which makes people think commercial sexual exploitation has nothing to do with them. And they often portray children as helpless victims, whereas in fact lots of children actively help themselves and others. Even worse, some media reports blame the children who are abused or exploited. There is never any excuse or justification for this.
The issue of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, and the physical and psychological damage it has on children, needs to be brought out into the open. Only then will everyone start to see how important it is to respect children's rights and act accordingly, rejecting all violence against children.
But this is not just the media's job. Governments, social workers, teachers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), parents, guardians, religious leaders and all members of the community need to work together to publicize the terrible reality and change attitudes. And everyone working with children needs to be trained to understand this issue, so that they can take action quickly and sensitively." - UNICEF
**all artistic work by princess pink
