ECPAT International

After 16 years on X (formerly Twitter), it's time for us to say goodbye. Rampant disinformation, harmful content, and the exploitation of survivors' trauma have made the platform an unsafe space that no longer aligns with our values. Effective immediately, ECPAT is ceasing all activity on X and shifting to Bluesky, where we will continue to advocate for child protection in a safer digital space. 🔷 Follow us on Bluesky: https://lnkd.in/egxbJixs ✉️ Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eQf-ADut --- We’re building our Bluesky community and would love your help! Know any child rights or child protection organisations we should follow? Drop their names in the comments ⬇️

BREAKING: The European Parliament has just voted YES to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. ECPAT International is proud to celebrate this bold step forward for children’s rights! 📣 🔴 What happens next? Now the final piece of work begins. Negotiations will start between the European Parliament, the European Commission, and EU Member States to turn this landmark vote into law. ECPAT International, as part of the #ECLAG coalition, is calling on Member States to meet this moment with courage and urgency. Children cannot wait for protection. Survivors cannot wait for justice. EU governments must now step up and deliver the legal reforms needed to build a safer world for all children—online and offline. 👉 Read our full statement with #ECLAG and DOT Europe in reaction to the vote: http://bit.ly/3HDeW5Q 👉 Read our full statement with the #BraveMovement on the historic abolition of time limitations for survivors: http://bit.ly/4e49CEu Follow us for the latest updates on this critical moment for child protection in the EU. #ECPAT #EndChildSexualAbuse #ChildSafetyOnline #EU #ChildRights

Tomorrow, the European Parliament will vote on a crucial decision: whether to finally deliver justice for survivors of child sexual exploitation, who are too often failed by outdated laws. For too long, statutes of limitations have prevented survivors from ever seeing abusers held to account. Many survivors cannot speak out until years—sometimes decades—after abuse. Yet, legal deadlines often close the door before they even have a chance to act. In a powerful Op-Ed published by The Parliament, MEP Jeroen Lenaers has called on the European Parliament to stand with survivors and deliver real justice by ending statutes of limitations for sexual crimes against children. ECPAT International, alongside the #BraveMovement, fully supports his call through our joint #TimelessJustice campaign. Justice must be based on the rights and needs of survivors—not arbitrary deadlines. We are calling on EU leaders to stand on the right side of history. Tomorrow, vote for survivors. Vote for #TimelessJustice. 👉 Read the full Op-Ed in The Parliament Magazine: https://lnkd.in/d9bhKBvF 👉 Learn more about the Timeless Justice campaign: https://bit.ly/TJPetition #EndChildSexualExploitation #ChildProtection #JusticeForSurvivors #HumanRights

Fact: Children tell friends first. Be the adult they can trust. #NeverTheirFault See why it matters: https://ecpat.org/myths/  #DownToZeroAlliance Child Rights Coalition Asia | Conexión ICCO América Latina | Defence for Children Nederland | Free a Girl | Plan International Nederland | Terre des Hommes Netherlands

Sexual exploitation and abuse of children rarely begins with violence. It starts with trust, flattery, secrecy, and then shame. These grooming tactics make children feel responsible for the abuse they experience. They’re not. Know the signs. Believe them. Protect them. It’s #NeverTheirFault. Support the movement https://ecpat.org/myths/  #DownToZeroAlliance Child Rights Coalition Asia | Conexión ICCO América Latina | Defence for Children Nederland | Free a Girl | Plan International Nederland | Terre des Hommes Netherlands

"If we really want to secure a good future for those boys, I think our most valuable asset is none other than these boys themselves." — Abdelwaheb El Houimel, Executive Committee Member, Future Visions Association   Abdelwaheb joined us in Amman for the #GlobalBoysInitiative workshop to explore ways to support boys at risk of, or affected by, sexual violence in the MENA region.   📢 OUT SOON: Our upcoming case study in collaboration with Palestinian organisations will explore how to work with at-risk boys or survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse across occupation, war, and detention.

It can take survivors years to speak out. Let’s make it safe to talk sooner. Listen. Believe. Protect. #NeverTheirFault Know the truth: https://ecpat.org/myths/  #DownToZeroAlliance Child Rights Coalition Asia | Conexión ICCO América Latina | Defence for Children Nederland | Free a Girl | Plan International Nederland | Terre des Hommes Netherlands

At our recent workshop in Amman, frontline organisations, youth leaders, and ECPAT International members came together to challenge taboos, share what works, and shape a regional response to protect boys from sexual violence in the MENA region.   Here’s what we learned ⬇️ - Youth-led groups are critical, bringing fresh perspectives on what support actually looks like for boys. - Conversations on sexual violence against boys can be open, constructive, and safe—when approached with care and context. - Promising practices on how to support boys in humanitarian settings and detention, led by local organisations in Palestine.   And stay tuned: We’re publishing a new #GlobalBoysInitiative case study on #Palestine, sharing concrete and field-driven approaches to working with at-risk boys and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian contexts and detention centres.

Most children who have experienced sexual exploitation or abuse confide in a friend rather than an adult. It’s up to us to be ready to listen without judgment. #NeverTheirFault Understand more: https://ecpat.org/myths/  #DownToZeroAlliance Child Rights Coalition Asia | Conexión ICCO América Latina | Defence for Children Nederland | Free a Girl | Plan International Nederland | Terre des Hommes Netherlands

It is with great sorrow that ECPAT International shares the news of the passing of Prof. Irwanto, Ph.D., who passed away on Tuesday, May 27 2025, at the age of 68. Prof. Irwanto was a pioneering leader in the movement to end the sexual exploitation of children. As the founder and Chair of the Board of ECPAT Indonesia - and a respected academic, researcher, and human rights advocate - his work profoundly shaped child protection efforts in Indonesia and around the world. His legacy lives on in the countless lives and the systems he helped transform. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honour of working alongside him.