HRC61 - Item 3 - Resolution L.4

UN Human Rights Council 
61st Session – Item 3
Resolution L.4

Introduction to the Mandate of the Special rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children (SR mandate renewal)

Mr. President,

On behalf of the European Union and the Latin American and Caribbean States members of the core group, we are pleased to present draft resolution L.4 entitled “The Special rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children”.

The mandate is particularly important as it is the only mandate of the Special Procedures specifically dedicated to children and to address serious violations of their rights. Children affected by sale, sexual exploitation and abuse are among the most vulnerable. The mandate ensures that their experiences are documented and helps shape policies that are grounded in children’s lived experiences.

The text presents a technical roll-over with minimal edits. To support the ongoing rationalisation and efficiency efforts, the core group has reduced the reporting of the Special Rapporteur to the General Assembly, so it is now biennial, while maintaining the annual reporting to the Human Rights Council. This rationalisation measure enables cost savings without affecting the scope or operational capacity of the mandate.

We have done our outmost to conduct transparent and inclusive negotiations. We believe that the text presented reflects broad consensus and in line with previous adoptions, we invite all members of the Council to adopt the resolution by consensus. 

I thank you.