On April 18, 2022 in Sofia the National conference of the Learning Action Partnership on zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation of children was held.
About 70 participants from different organizations from NGO sector, state institutions, UN structures, journalists, public figures, professionals working with children and young people in Sofia and the country joined the event.
Representatives of the Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health Association (BFPA), UNICEF and the International Organization of Migration (IOM) presented the LAP key activities during the years, on the global and local context of the problem sexual violence and exploitation concerning political and regulatory decisions, as well on the conditions in safe zones for the unaccompanied children passing through the country.
Among the problems defined in the working on different topics groups were connected with the opportunities for prevention: the need of real and effective health and sexuality education and preparation of teachers on the topic; the lack of understanding in the society on the essence and the importance of nonformal education; the need of educating young people on how to use online instruments and how to think critically; the need of developing mechanisms on realization and socialization of young people leaving residential care; overcoming the taboo on sexual exploitation in the society and especially in schools; lack of understanding that the children have their own boundaries. As a whole the best interest of the child is not always in the focus of the institutions work.
In the frame of the conference three films of the famous journalist Genka Shikerova were launched and thus the start of a campaign on zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation of children was given. Stickers and posters with key messages and glossary of terms will strengthen the main slogan ‘Eyes Peeled’. The afternoon ended with ateliers type presentation of the LAP small projects.
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Photos: Аnton Vassilev
