“Sexual Abuse and Child Exploitation in the Entertainment Industry” Widespread resulting from unethical systems, structures, practices, or abuses of power or authority” said Mama Fatima Sinhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on child trafficking and sexual exploitation.
According to the report, child performers in the entertainment industry are exposed to sexual, violent and aggressive environments that are unsafe for their overall development and may be exposed to the consumption of addictive substances. be.
To improve it, urgent action required The Special Rapporteur appointed by the Human Rights Council said they were working collectively and individually to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation in various media and entertainment industries.
Beyond #MeToo
“This problem extends to many aspects of industry and community spaces, including film, television, music, theatre, modeling, circuses, choirs, concerts, nightclubs, bars, glamor industry, sport, tourism and hospitality. It puts children at risk,'' she said in the report.
She also cited lawsuits and revelations of widespread abuse in such areas, which extend to community facilities, public places and events, and digital spaces such as social media influence and gaming, she said. High-profile case involving movie studio boss Harvey WeinsteinIn 2020, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape, sexual assault and related charges.
Ms. Sinhathe said that while movements such as Me Too have raised awareness of sexual abuse and exploitation in Hollywood and other entertainment centers, testimonies from courageous victims and survivors remain consistent. He emphasized that he was pointing out the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation. There is an urgent need to improve protection for children and young people in show business..
Some cases go unreported
The global nature of the industry means that such issues are not confined to one geographic region; widespread in countries around the worldThe report also raises serious questions about the inadequacies of existing preventive and protective measures, accountability structures and access to justice, the report said.
“A significant number of Incidents of abuse go unreportedThe main causes are prevailing power relations, harmful gender norms, fear of retaliation and loss of career opportunities,” the expert said.
“These factors often create an environment in which vulnerable children are exploited by those in positions of authority, including aspiring actors and performers.”
Appearance is “normal”
The Special Rapporteur found that: predatory sexual behaviorincluding personal appearance, was accepted as the norm in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, perpetrators often exercised illegal power and authority over young, aspiring child actors with no retribution.
“Depictions of abusive working conditions and child sexual abuse and exploitation on various entertainment platforms not only tend to cross the line; Objectifying children and turning them into tools” said Mr. Singhate.
Victims were often forced into silence
Children are being trafficked and recruited to work as performers and entertainers through fraudulent offers, misleading promises and exploitation of their hopes and dreams, the report said.
According to the report, millions of people around the world are fleeing conflict, violence, or other situations that accelerate displacement and migration, and many children have lost their families and are forced to work in the entertainment industry to survive. I have no choice but to do so.
“Victims and survivors face silence, lack of recognition, lack of investigation, duress, intimidation or lack of reparations,” she said.
To change this situation, the Special Rapporteur called for: Pathways to reduce risk.
Such efforts must ensure that the involvement of children and the actions of individuals and companies within the sector are in line with international human rights law and standards, she said.
find a solution
The Special Rapporteur said: “There are many ways to ensure the health, safety, privacy and welfare of children within the industry.”
It says, “ zero tolerance policy “For those who exploit and foster abusive environments for children within legal frameworks,” she said.
Furthermore, she suggested that Establish a partnership with a business owner Ensure child-safe business models and establish monitoring and accountability procedures.
internet safety
Efforts should also extend to the internet, she said, noting that children are being exploited online. online porn industryIn some cases, children may be physically smuggled across borders.
Traffickers often use interactive computer services, such as social media platforms, to connect with child victims, exploiting children's limited knowledge about safe use of online spaces. This is what the survey results showed.
In this vein, she Technical protection measures for online spaces and closer collaboration.