Ministers Henriksson and Räsänen to attend a global summit on tackling online child sexual exploitation

Ministry of Justice and Ministry of the Interior inform

Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson and Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen are to attend the global summit on tackling online child sexual exploitation on 10-11 December 2014 in London. The summit relates to the cooperation within the Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online. Finland, together with 53 other countries, has committed to the operational goals of the Global Alliance.

The aim of the London summit is to commit to global action to prevent distribution of child sexual abuse material on internet, to identify and protect victims and to strengthen the cooperation between authorities.

Minister Henriksson notes that distribution and possession of child sexual abuse images is punishable under the Criminal Code of Finland. Henriksson considers it to be particularly important to recognize and take account of the special needs of children as victims of crime throughout the criminal procedure.

- In Finland we have, for instance, created good practices for the cooperation between the police and social services to enhance the protection of victims of child abuse during the criminal investigation and the trial. It must be ensured that the administrative rules and official proceedings do not hinder children from having immediate access to the treatment and support they need. The best interest of the child must always be the first priority, Minister Henriksson says.

Minister Räsänen emphasises the importance of global action to remove child sexual abuse images from the internet. According to Minister Räsänen, the resources of the authorities to investigate and intervene in suspected offences against children should be strengthened.

The aim is that the states, authorities and organisations attending the summit submit a common statement of action indicating their commitment to global action to stop sexual abuse of children online.

Further information: Mia Wikström, Special Adviser to Minister Henriksson, tel. +358 50 355 3213, Iina Mattila, Special Adviser to Minister Räsänen, tel. +358 29 541 8806