INCREASED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE, WITH REDUCED ABILITIES OF DETECTION
The United Nations (UN) secretary-general has reported a “horrifying” global surge in domestic-based abuse and child abuse, which is less likely to be detected during the crisis. According to the UN, 60% of all children worldwide are living in countries where full or partial lockdown has been implemented. Child protection agencies have reduced monitoring to avoid the virus spreading, whilst teachers are less able to detect signs of ill treatment of children with schools closed.
The COVID-19 crisis has also increased the risk of online sexual exploitation. According to Europol, there has been an increase in online activity by those seeking child abuse material during the pandemic. With children spending more time online, combined with increased feelings of isolation, there is greater vulnerability to online predators. School closures have also resulted in the loss of vital early warning mechanisms for incidents.
As the crisis deepens, children can be confined to homes where they are both victims and witnesses of domestic violence and abuse. Both the NSPCC and ChildLine have reported an increased demand in their helplines, whilst police chiefs have stated that some people may be “looking to exploit coronavirus crisis to cause harm online”.
In the longer term, the combined effect of school closures and economic distress not only increases the likelihood of some children to drop out of school, but can also result in child labour and child marriage in high risk countries.
WHAT MEASURES HAVE EXPERTS CALLED FOR?
States must ensure that the human rights of every child are fully respected, protected and fulfilled. This includes children being provided adequate care and protection from harm. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called urgent action to support the world’s children amid the universal crisis.
The UN has called on states to boost child protection measures in order to safeguard millions of children worldwide who are more exposed to violence and exploitation during the pandemic. Governments must ensure that there are adequately staffed and equipped child protection services as well as law enforcement to be accessible to all children. These include toll-free 24 hours hotlines and mobile shelters for minors. If these services are missing, “victims are bound endure abuse and violence by their caregivers or members of the inner circle to trust”.
Jo Becker, the children’s right advocacy director at Human Rights Watch has stated “Governments need to urgently protect children during the pandemic” and “also consider their decisions now will best uphold children’s rights after the crisis ends”.
Human Rights Watch has urged governments to expand public education, awareness campaigns and hotlines for children at risk of violence in home or online sexual exploitation. With increased risk of online exploitation, social networking platforms have also been encouraged to enhance online platforms with more safety measures and promote child safety referrals services and helplines.
The protection of children from abuse, violence and exploitation is essential during this COVID-19 crisis.
Shivani is currently studying the LPC at the University of Law. She thoroughly enjoyed studying international human rights law during her final year at university and hopes to pursue a career in this field.