Children vulnerable to abuse, violence during coronavirus lockdowns, UN experts warn

UNITED NATIONS (HRNW) – UN human rights experts have appealed to States to boost child protection measures for safeguarding the welfare of millions of children worldwide who may be more exposed to violence, sale, trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, and Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative on violence against children, issued the appeal in Geneva, emphasizing that parents, caregivers, service providers and law enforcement officials all need extra support to minimize the heightened risks to youngsters.

“Globally, confinement measures and the disrupted provision of already limited child protection services exacerbate the vulnerability of children living in psychiatric and social care institutions, orphanages, refugee camps, immigration detention centres and other closed facilities”, Ms. de Boer-Buquicchio said.

At a time of lockdowns and home isolation, children are at greater risk of experiencing violence, exploitation and challenges to their mental health. “This is especially true of those who are already in vulnerable situations”, Ms. M’jid added.