On 25 May 2000, the UN General Assembly adopts the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

The Protocol requires criminalisation of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, judicial cooperation and victim protection. It complements the 1989 Convention and responds to cross-border trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Adopted by resolution A/RES/54/263, it was opened for signature and entered into force on 18 January 2002. Most UN member states are parties.

The text defines “sale of children”, “child prostitution” and “child pornography” and obliges states on jurisdiction, extradition and mutual assistance.

The Protocol became a reference for national legislation and for reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The official text appears in UN documents and on the OHCHR website.

The Optional Protocol of 25 May 2000 remains the UN instrument devoted to combating the sale and sexual exploitation of children.

Image: UN Headquarters; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. Treaty text: A/RES/54/263 (undocs).