Tag: sexual exploitation

The ICPC took part in a Conference on Combating Human Trafficking in the Americas

The ICPC attended online the 7th Meeting of National Authorities on Trafficking in Persons of its partner, the Organization of American States (OAS), which took place on February 5, 2024, in Washington, focused on combating human trafficking in the American continent. This meeting brought together delegations from various countries to discuss the challenges and concerns faced, as well as priorities and strategies to adopt in response to the alarming increase in human trafficking, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. 

During this event, a delegation representing Canada particularly emphasized the importance of combating sexual exploitation, calling for greater public awareness and reporting of abuses. The conference highlighted the role of technology in human trafficking, showing how advancements allow criminal networks to recruit and exploit victims discreetly, mainly online. The need for innovation and international collaboration to monitor and counter these activities was emphasized, with particular attention to identifying and blocking platforms facilitating these crimes. 

Discussions also focused on prostitution networks and how victims, mainly young girls and boys, are exploited through transnational routes, highlighting the importance of cooperation between countries to provide aid and assistance. The use of social media and other online platforms in the recruitment and exploitation of young people was a key topic, indicating an urgent need to act on these fronts. 

Finally, the link between climate change and human trafficking was addressed, recognizing that vulnerabilities arising from forced migrations due to climate changes require global responses to ensure safe and secure migrations. 

Thus, this conference allowed the ICPC to continue its commitment to the prevention of human trafficking but also to enhance its capabilities to better combat this scourge on a global scale and to expand its network of partners. 

Thank you for the invitation! 

ICPC participation in an IBCR youth evening

ICPC is proud to have participated in the event “Mieux prévenir l’exploitation sexuelle: Parole aux Jeunes!”, organized by the International Bureau for Children’s Rights (IBCR) on May 11 at the Centre PHI in Montreal.

The event gave a voice to young people and discussed the important issue of sexual exploitation of young people, particularly in the context of the current pandemic.

The event represented the culmination of two years of hard work by five groups of young teens from the Greater Montreal area who had participated in the “Parole aux jeunes!” project. Over 70 teenagers (aged 14 to 17) took a close look at the complex issue of sexual exploitation of young people, particularly in the context of the current pandemic. The teens shared their perspectives, exchanged ideas, and reacted to recent prevention campaigns in the province, in order to better understand the problem and make recommendations to combat this scourge.

Some recommendations suggested by the teens:

  • Partnership with a well-known Instagrammer or celebrity to raise awareness and make the subject less taboo
  • Training for parents
  • Explain to young people how to recognize toxic signs.

In conclusion, the ICPC is proud to have taken part in the event “Preventing sexual exploitation: Young People Speak Out” organized by the IBCR, and is committed to an ongoing exploration of mutual collaboration on similar themes, with a common concern for prevention.

Participation of the ICPC in the official launch of the Table d’action et de concertation montréalaise en exploitation sexuelle (TACMES)

On March 22, 2023, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC) took part in the official launch of the Table d’action et de concertation montréalaise en exploitation sexuelle (TACMES), which took place at the Centre St-Pierre in Montreal. The event gathered between 40 and 60 participants who attended this key meeting for the prevention of sexual exploitation.

ICPC presented the project to develop a second line of sexual exploitation prevention services for youth aged 12 to 25 as well as an interactive map that lists the contacts of all TACMES members, as well as other stakeholders in Montreal and the rest of Quebec. This map is available to all TACMES members to check and use as a directory.

A moment of networking allowed all participants to exchange with many of the organizations present, such as Les Survivantes, Plein Milieu, the International Bureau for Children’s Rights, L’Anonyme, Dans la rue, Réseau Enfant-Retour, and many others.

This first TACMES meeting was a success and promises future fruitful collaborations between members to fight against sexual exploitation in Montreal. ICPC is proud to be part of this initiative and is committed to contributing to the prevention of this issue.