Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
on the sale of children,
child prostitution
and child pornography
(New
York, 25 May 2000)
OBJECTIVES
The Optional Protocol supplements the provisions of the Convention on the
Rights of the Child by providing detailed requirements for the criminalization
of violations of the rights of children in the context of the sale of children,
child prostitution and child pornography.
KEY PROVISIONS
The Optional Protocol provides definitions for the offences of “sale of
children”, “child prostitution” and “child pornography”. It sets
standards for the treatment of violations under domestic law, including with
regard to offenders, protection of victims and prevention efforts. It also
provides a framework for increased international cooperation in these areas, in
particular for the prosecution of offenders.
ENTRY INTO FORCE
The Protocol entered into force on 18
January 2002.
HOW
TO BECOME A PARTY
The Optional Protocol is open for signature, indefinitely, by any State
that is a Party to the Convention or has signed it and to ratification and
accession.
OPTIONAL AND/OR MANDATORY DECLARATIONS
The Optional Protocol is silent on optional or mandatory declarations.
RESERVATIONS
The
Optional Protocol is silent on reservations.
WITHDRAWAL/DENUNCIATION
Denunciation
of the protocol is possible at any time by written notification and it takes
effect one year after the date of receipt of the written notification by the
Secretary General. Denunciation does not have the effect of releasing the State
Party from its obligations under this Optional Protocol in regard to any act or
omission which occurs prior to the date at which the denunciation becomes
effective, nor does it prejudice in any way the continued consideration of any
matter which is already under consideration by the Committee on the rights of
the child prior to the date at which the denunciation becomes effective.
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