ICMEC participates in WeProtect Webinar on Exploring the Model National Response to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

The ICMEC Global (ICMEC), participated in a webinar hosted by WeProtect Global Alliance , on exploring the Model National Response (MNR) to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. 

The webinar underscored that child sexual exploitation and abuse is a global issue that no single country or sector can address alone. Tackling this complex problem requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, where governments, law enforcement, private sectors, and civil society all have a crucial role to play.

Overview of the Model National Response (MNR)

The MNR framework was introduced as a key tool that helps countries develop a systems-based approach to combatting child sexual exploitation and abuse online. The framework consists of 21 capabilities across six pillars, providing guidance for governments and organizations on strengthening their response efforts. These pillars include legislation, victim support, criminal justice, and multi-sector collaboration.

Speakers and Key Insights:

• WeProtect Global Alliance highlighted the importance of the MNR framework as a foundation for developing a comprehensive response to child sexual exploitation and abuse. They discussed the three key tools within the MNR: the MNR framework, a maturity model, and a self-assessment tool. These tools help countries assess their current capabilities and identify areas for improvement. The MNR is not just about setting standards but also about providing a tailored approach that suits different national contexts and capacities

• Pilar Ramírez , Vice President of Capacity Building, emphasized was ICMEC's work in building the capacity of different countries to address child sexual abuse and exploitation. She highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral responses, including law enforcement, social services, and technology sectors. Pilar shared how ICMEC has developed capacity assessment tools and conducted gap analyses to understand the unique challenges faced by each country, ensuring tailored support and resource allocation.

• Rizki Inderawansyah , Country Director (Indonesia) shared insights into Indonesia’s implementation of the MNR, focusing on strengthening the criminal justice sector. With over 17,000 islands and a population of 280 million, Indonesia faces unique challenges in coordinating efforts across different regions. Despite these hurdles, the country has established dedicated units within the police force, such as the cybercrime directorate, to combat child exploitation. Rizki highlighted the need for continuous improvement in legislation, capacity building, and the establishment of specialized units to handle these cases effectively.

• Athena Morgan , Regional Project Manager (Africa), discussed the ongoing work in Kenya, where efforts are focused on raising awareness, education, and supporting victims. Despite limited funding, IMC has collaborated with local partners to address gaps identified through the MNR assessment, such as the need for better training for law enforcement and increased victim support services. She stressed the importance of collaboration and resource-sharing between government, NGOs, and community groups to ensure a cohesive response.

• Irina Năstase , National Program Manager (Romania) highlighted Romania’s progress in strengthening its response to online child exploitation. With a focus on improving law enforcement capabilities and enhancing child sexual exploitation hotlines, Romania has made significant strides. However, challenges remain, including a need for more resources, training for frontline workers, and better coordination among agencies. Irina emphasized the critical role of education and awareness campaigns to increase public understanding of the issue.

• Byron Velásquez , National Manager (Guatemala) presented Guatemala’s journey in addressing child sexual abuse through legislative reforms and capacity building. He discussed the recent legislative changes aimed at criminalizing behaviors like grooming and exploitation, which were previously unaddressed. Despite these advancements, Guatemala continues to face challenges related to governance, lack of resources, and the absence of a formal protection system for children. Byron highlighted the need for comprehensive public awareness initiatives to empower communities and improve reporting mechanisms.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• A Multi-Sectoral Approach is Crucial: The MNR framework emphasizes the importance of collaboration across sectors, including law enforcement, government agencies, technology companies, and civil society.
• Tailoring Solutions to National Contexts: The MNR framework is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It allows countries to identify their unique challenges and prioritize actions that best suit their needs.
• Strengthening Legislation and Victim Support: Effective legislation and victim support systems are critical components of a successful national response. This includes training for law enforcement, psychological support for victims, and public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of online exploitation.
• Learning from Real-World Examples: The case studies from Indonesia, Kenya, Romania, and Guatemala provided valuable insights into the diverse approaches being implemented around the world. These examples demonstrate the importance of context-specific strategies and the benefits of learning from each other’s experiences.

Looking Ahead

The webinar highlighted that while significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to protect children from online sexual exploitation and abuse. Organizations and governments must continue to collaborate, share resources, and support each other in implementing effective strategies.

Let’s continue working towards a world where all children are safe from exploitation and abuse. Learn more about how ICMEC is enabling country-wide protections for children.

Visit: www.icmec.org/national-capacity-building

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