UN member states have adopted a resolution making November 18 the World Day for Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.

The resolution was adopted on Monday at the 77th UN General Assembly under Agenda item 131, ‘Sexual exploitation and abuse: implementing a zero-tolerance policy’.

A spokesperson for the president of the General Assembly, Paulina Greer, disclosed this at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Ms Greer said the resolution was sponsored by Nigeria and Sierra Leone and co-sponsored by 111 member states.

“Among its recommendations, the resolution calls for raising public awareness of those affected by child sexual abuse, and the need to prevent and eliminate child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence – online and offline,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, a draft resolution obtained from the Nigeria Permanent Mission to the UN on Wednesday expressed grave concern that children, especially girls, are at a greater risk of experiencing forced sex and sexual exploitation, abuse and violence, both online and offline.

The resolution noted that “girls are at a greater risk of experiencing forced sex, and sexual exploitation, abuse and violence in particular during armed conflicts, that, because of the shame, stigma and fear associated with their experience.”

“Many victims and survivors never disclose and/ or seek justice, rehabilitation or support and that many victims and survivors of child abuse, experience lifelong consequences that affect their physical and mental health wellbeing,” it added. “It affirms the need to eliminate and prevent all forms of child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence and to promote the dignity and rights, including mental and physical health and healing of those who experience child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence.”

It further requested the secretary-general to bring the present resolution to the attention of all member states, the organisations of the UN system and other relevant stakeholders for the appropriate observance.

(NAN)