The facts and figures mentioned previously should not lead one to believe the situation hopeless.

Currently, there are many committed individuals working tirelessly around the world in an effort to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children. They may work individually or as a member of an organisation, in a government office or a village temple; they may scan the Internet for pornographic sites or the streets for children in need of shelter.

Regardless of who they are or what they do, all share a common goal and the belief that the situation of children who suffer from sexual exploitation is not hopeless.

Whoever we are and whatever we do there are ways that we can contribute to the elimination of commercial sexual exploitation of children.

The innovative work that has already been done can provide inspiration for all of us, but particularly those who work directly with children; all that is needed is the vision and the will to make it happen.

Educators can introduce an awareness raising and prevention component into schools' curriculum.

Police officers can establish special units with child friendly facilities in their precinct. Lawyers and judges can help develop child friendly legal procedures. Policy makers and legislators can write policies and laws that protect the best interest of the child.

Journalists and publishers can refuse to write or publish sensational articles or use photos that further exploit a child or reveal the identity of a child. At the same time they can use the means at their disposal to raise awareness among the general population.

Business, community or religious leaders can support children's clubs or street shelters, as well as provide skills training opportunities. They can promote the rights of children and adopt gender sensitive policies.

Travel agents and tour operators can post signs in their office pledging support for anti child sex tourism campaigns and/or legislation; and they can help establish a national or regional Code of Conduct. Travelers can refuse to support any aspect of the tourist industry that is involved in the sexual exploitation of children.

Actors in the Internet Industry, such as Service providers, can adopt codes of conduct, refuse to host child pornography, collaborate with hotlines and law enforcement agencies.

Young people can actively participate as youth advocates and ensure that the voice of the youth is heard. They can become involved in youth clubs or networks; encourage their school to raise awareness about sexual exploitation within the community; challenge their local, regional or national government to undertake prevention and protection measures. Young people can be trained as peer counselors.

All citizens can raise public awareness by talking to colleagues, community groups, students, religious groups and politicians about the sexual exploitation of children. They can report any activities relating to commercial sexual exploitation of children to the police or a hotline. All citizens can encourage their governments to adopt, and enforce, adequate laws to protect children from sexual exploitation.

Source: ECPAT