UN Warns Child Exploitation Rising Amid Digital Threats

The Special Rapporteur acknowledged that recent years have seen meaningful progress in efforts to combat child exploitation.

A United Nations human rights expert has warned that children worldwide continue to face serious and evolving risks of sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, despite progress in strengthening global legal protections.

Presenting her final report to the UN Human Rights Council, Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, said millions of children remain vulnerable to exploitation that often goes unnoticed or unreported.

“Too many children continue to be sold, trafficked, sexually exploited, and abused globally – often in ways that remain invisible, normalised or unaddressed,” Singhateh said.

Progress in Laws and Global Cooperation

The Special Rapporteur acknowledged that recent years have seen meaningful progress in efforts to combat child exploitation.

Many governments have strengthened national laws criminalising the sale and sexual exploitation of children, aligning them more closely with international human rights standards. At the same time, awareness has increased about the interconnected nature of trafficking, abuse, and exploitation crimes.

According to Singhateh, global responses have also improved through:

• Stronger international cooperation between governments

• More survivor-centred justice approaches

• Growing engagement with private sector actors, particularly in technology and online services

However, she stressed that despite these advances, the scale and severity of violations against children remain deeply concerning.

Digital Technology Creating New Risks

One of the most significant emerging threats identified in the report is the rapid rise of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse.

Online platforms, encrypted messaging services, and digital payment systems have made it easier for offenders to exploit children and operate across borders.

“The landscape of child sexual exploitation is rapidly evolving,” Singhateh warned.

She noted that accelerating digital risks, combined with limited oversight of technology platforms, have created new avenues for abuse that many legal systems are still struggling to address.

Global Crises Increasing Children’s Vulnerability

Beyond digital threats, the report highlights how conflicts, climate disasters, and economic instability are increasing children’s exposure to exploitation.

In areas affected by armed conflict or natural disasters, displacement and poverty can push children into situations where they are more vulnerable to trafficking and abuse.

The Special Rapporteur also pointed to expanding extractive industries, such as mining and resource projects, which can create environments where exploitation risks rise for children living near industrial zones.

“These new frontiers require us to rethink our strategies, update and effectively implement our legal frameworks, and invest in technological solutions that match the sophistication of those who seek to harm children,” Singhateh said.

Calls for Stronger Global Action

The report urges governments and international partners to strengthen efforts to prevent exploitation through coordinated policies and stronger enforcement.

Key recommendations include:

• Harmonising national laws to criminalise all forms of child exploitation

• Investing in digital safety systems and stronger regulation of technology platforms

• Enhancing cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies

• Expanding survivor-centred justice systems and victim support services

• Addressing root causes such as poverty, inequality, and displacement

• Encouraging greater responsibility from private sector companies, especially tech firms

Putting Children at the Centre of Policy

Singhateh stressed that all policies aimed at protecting children must be designed with children’s rights and voices at the centre.

She urged governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and technology companies to work together to build stronger protection systems.

“The sale, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse of children are not inevitable. They are preventable,” she said.

“They are rooted in choices – political choices, economic choices, technological choices – and because they are rooted in choices, we have the power to choose to uphold and protect the rights of children.”

Human rights advocates say the report highlights the urgent need for global cooperation, stronger technology governance, and sustained investment in child protection systems to safeguard children in an increasingly digital and crisis-prone world.