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Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Research Underway in the FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (Department of Health & Social Services): October 30, 2007 - The Department of Health and Social Affairs recently concluded a four day training of researchers on the "Framework for Situational Analysis of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA).

The training was facilitated jointly by UNESCAP, ECPAT and UNIFEM and conducted by a professional trainer from the UNDP Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT).

At least six (6) national government staff participated in CSEC research training as trainers. CSEC is defined as "sexual abuse by the adult and remuneration in cash or king to the child or third person or persons". CSA is defined as "an abuse of the unequal power relationship between a child or a young person and an older, bigger and more powerful person." Manifestations of CSEC and CSA may be in the form of child prostitution, child pornography, trafficking of children for sexual purposes, child sex tourism and child marriage.

The objectives of the CSEC and CSA research are (a) to document the existing situation on CSEC and CSA in the FSM, (b) to identify and analyze the causes and risk factors surrounding the issue, including profiles of children, exploiters and key actors, and (c) to document and analyze government, civil society and country based international organizations responsibilities, related interventions and level of coordination on CSEC and CSA.

The CSEC research training is the first phase of the FSM-wide research on the incidence and prevalence of commercial sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse. State specific training of research trainees and the undertaking of the CSEC-CSA research will follow as soon as funding is secure. Research plan, budget and methodology were produced during the training.

The DOHSA is responsible for coordination of organization and preparation of follow-up training, research undertaking and production of the FSM CSEC-CSA Situational Analysis Report.