“We’re thinking first of all about all the children who are afraid, who are alone, who feel guilty, who are ashamed … It’s for them that we’re here, it’s for them that we have prepared this report”, said rapporteur Anna Maria Corazza Bild (EPP, Sweden) at a press conference before the plenary session vote on Thursday 14 December on her report looking at implementation of the 2011 directive on tackling child sex abuse and child pornography.
The non-legislative resolution adopted virtually unanimously (597 votes to 6, with 20 abstentions) calls on member states to implement a policy of zero tolerance towards the exploitation and sexual abuse of children. It must be ensured that “Europe is a place where children can live in safety”, the rapporteur said.
The resolution states that the implementation of the 2011 directive by member states leaves much to be desired. “I’m deeply saddened this evening because, if we are having this debate, it’s because the situation is far from satisfactory”, said Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE, France), drawing attention to the delayed and incomplete transposition of the directive by some member states.
MEPs say that member states must make better use of existing tools, such as Europol, Eurojust and the European arrest warrant. “What is being asked of the member states seems obvious. Unfortunately, there are many things that are not being done today”, lamented the rapporteur, citing as examples the updating of online registers and the black list of convicted offenders.
The resolution calls, inter alia, for: - adequate human and financial resources to be allocated to police authorities; - telephone hotlines to put in place; - extension of the limitation periods for these crimes; - the removal of illegal content at source; - strengthened cooperation with third countries. MEPs also call on the internet industry to assume its responsibility and develop innovative solutions to combat illegal online content.
“Tackling impunity is the best form of prevention”, in the view of Corazza Bild. MEPs call on member states to put in place preventive programmes, including for those who fear they may one day commit crimes of this sort. They also urge tougher penalties to be imposed when the perpetrator of a crime is in a position of authority over the child.
According to UNICEF, 53% of child abuse victims are aged no more than 10, Corazza Bild reported, adding: “It could be your child”. She called on the EU to turn its words into actions, suggesting that a #KidsToo movement, similar to the #MeToo campaign for women who have been sexually abused, be launched for children. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)