PH Welcomes UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children

DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral and International Economic Affairs Carlos D. Sorreta meets with Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children on 28 November 2022. (DFA-OPCD photo by Andrea Pascual)

PASAY CITY, 28 November 2022 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Multilateral and International Economic Affairs Carlos D. Sorreta conveyed the Philippine Government’s warm reception of the visit from Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children from 27 November to 09 December 2022 during the courtesy call of the Special Rapporteur on 28 November 2022 at the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

During her visit, Ms. Singhateh will meet officials from the Council for the Welfare of Children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Justice, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, the Philippine National Police, and other relevant government agencies.

She will also meet with civil society representatives, private sector stakeholders, and children and their families. Besides Metro Manila, she will visit sites in Valenzuela City, Angeles City, Cotabato City, and Cebu City.

Undersecretary Soretta expressed the hope that Ms. Singhateh will “recognize the achievements and best practices of the Philippine Government to eradicate online sexual exploitation of children.” He cited Republic Act 11930, an Act Punishing Online Sexual Abuse of Children, and the National Coordination Center to combat online sexual exploitation of children as examples.

He emphasized that “international cooperation and shared responsibility amongst countries is required to address external demand factors that fuel online exploitation of children.” He highlighted that the Philippines remains committed to safeguarding all Filipino children and upholding its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Ms. Singhateh’s visit is the first official visit of a UN Special Rapporteur to the country since 2015. Ms. Singhateh noted that this reflected the Philippine Government’s continued constructive engagement and openness on human rights. 

UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to study and address various human rights issues, as well as provide advice and support to UN Member States. 

In closing, Undersecretary Sorreta assured Ms. Singhateh of the Government’s cooperation to ensure the success of her visit, and that the Philippines looked forward to her observations and recommendations.  

“We hope to continue working with you, also regionally and globally, to support your mandate and enhance protection of all children from online sexual exploitation,” he stated.  END