The organizers intend that delegation members return to their country with clearer approaches and experience of relevant good practices, which could be applied by the Moldovan authorities, and conclude cooperation agreements with relevant U.S. stakeholders in the field of combating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and their reporting.
Between 8 and 12 August, a delegation of the Republic of Moldova will be on a study visit to Dallas, where, in addition to participating in the workshops of the 34th edition of the prestigious international conference on crimes committed against children, it also has on its agenda a series of separate meetings, to discuss in more detail the experience of the United States in combating the online abuse and sexual exploitation of children.
The delegation includes representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases, the General Police Inspectorate and the Supreme Court of Justice.
The visit is facilitated by ICMEC (International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children), the local partner in the U.S. with extensive global experience in combating child sexual exploitation by providing tools, training and technology.
The purpose of the study visit is to learn from U.S. experience in combating online child sexual exploitation and to take from U.S. colleagues practical approaches to reporting and removing child sexual abuse material from the internet, conducting victim-oriented investigations and prosecution, in order to promote a strengthened national response. The participants of the study visit will learn about:
- The work of CyberTipline, managed by NCMEC, image analysis and removal of child sexual abuse material;
- Effective investigation and prosecution of cases of online child sexual exploitation and abuse;
- Creation of cooperation mechanisms to effectively deal with online child sexual abuse and exploitation (partnerships with industry to address online child sexual exploitation issues, existing operational procedures, etc.);
- Protecting children-victims of online sexual abuse and sexual exploitation through operations (experience of law enforcement institutions and prosecutors, specific protocols or procedures aimed at ensuring the protection of victims of online sexual abuse during investigation/prosecution);
- Examination of cases in court and conviction of offenders.
“Delegation members are high-level professionals in the field, which is why the objectives set for this visit are appropriate.
“I am sure that we will return with clearer approaches and good practices in the field, which could be applied by the Moldovan authorities in response to cases of online sexual exploitation of children.
“We also intend to initiate the conclusion of cooperation agreements with relevant U.S. stakeholders in the field of combating child sexual abuse materials and CSAM reporting,” said Elena Botezatu, Executive Director of La Strada Moldova.
Background:
The Crimes Against Children Conference is the most important and prestigious international conference of its kind, offering practical and interactive instructions to those who fight crimes against children and help children to rehabilitate. In 2021, the conference gathered more than 5,900 professionals from all over the world!
The conference is held annually and is organized by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.
The event provides training for employees of non-governmental agencies and government agents in the areas of law enforcement, child protection services, social work, child advocacy, therapy and medicine, working directly with children victims of crimes.
The participation of the Moldovan delegation to the Dallas conference was possible thanks to the support of the U.S. Embassy in Moldova.