Working with its partners, the IBCR aims to prevent all forms of sexual abuse, violence, exploitation and negligence, including pornography involving children, trafficking, prostitution, early or forced marriages, sexual tourism and sexual violence. The IBCR collaborates with governments, public institutions, the formal and informal private sector and local communities to combat child sexual exploitation and give a voice to the children who are its actual or potential victims.

How do we do it?

Combating child sexual exploitation in travel and tourism

Fighting child sexual exploitation in travel and tourism is one of the IBCR’s top priorities. Since 2011, the Bureau has been the Canadian representative of The Code, undertaking action to target both the formal and informal sectors of the tourism industry, to end social tolerance of child sexual exploitation, and to prosecute individuals who promote or are involved in child sex tourism. The IBCR’s actions include awareness-building campaigns, such as the campaign to inform the general public of extraterritorial legislation, as well as multi-year projects to strengthen the capacities of front-line workers. These interventions involve preliminary diagnostics, mapping exercises, information and training strategies, and capacity building initiatives for child protection stakeholders and local networks.

Combating child trafficking

According to the Palermo Protocol, which Canada ratified in May 2002, child trafficking is defined as recruiting, transporting, harbouring or receiving a child for the purposes of exploitation, such as sexual exploitation or forced labour. To fight this phenomenon, the IBCR strives to meet three main objectives: (1) ensure that the rights of child victims are better protected; (2) prevent child trafficking; and (3) reduce criminal acts by promoting a better understanding of child trafficking issues. The IBCR has worked in this area in Quebec, Peru, Costa Rica and the Democratic Republic of Congo, through studies, awareness campaigns, and training for community workers who deal with children and youths.

Combating sexual violence

Sexual violence against children is a serious violation of their rights. And yet, it continues to affect children in all countries, societies and social groups. To address this issue, the IBCR takes action to ensure that the rights of child victims and potential child victims remain at the heart of the responsibilities of governmental and non-governmental organisations. In Burundi, the IBCR conducted a study on the scope and the various types of sexual exploitation of boys and girls, a process that involved interviewing nearly 300 children who were incarcerated, working as prostitutes or employed as domestic workers or in the fishing or other industries.

Our other fields of activity

See our projects