Child prostitution and sexual abuse against children now receive even greater attention in Hungary as of March 2020, ECPAT, the world’s largest umbrella organisation against the sexual exploitation of children, has grown to include its first Hungarian member.
After a thorough screening and a lengthy compliance procedure, the Hintalovon Child Rights Foundation was granted membership to ECPAT, taking up the position as representative of the international organisation in Hungary.
The Foundation, registered in 2016, was the launcher of the online sex education programme Yelon, a website awarded with national and international prizes. The Foundation also operates the only legal aid service in the country, which works together with more than 20 pro bono lawyers and has a special focus on sexual abuse against children.
“Thanks to this membership, we will be even more efficient in representing the rights of children who become victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. We will also be able to communicate ECPAT campaigns, expert materials, and news directly to professionals and anyone interested, which is another important step forward”, said the head of the Foundation, Szilvia Gyurkó.
The responsibilities of the membership include the preparation of an annual country report, starting with the year 2020, about the questions concerning children in the matter of sexual exploitation, as well as the promotion of global campaigns in Hungary, such as drawing attention to young boys becoming victims of sexual abuse cases.
In their work within ECPAT, the Hintalovon Child Rights Foundation aims for a wide range of professional collaboration by involving organisations for children’s rights, child protection, education, and police services.
