Comment by the Information and Press Department on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s consideration of Russia’s initial report on the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

On May 22, Russia’s initial report on the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography was considered in Geneva within the framework of the 78^th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The Russian delegation was led by State Secretary - Deputy Interior Minister Igor Zubov. The delegation comprised representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Healthcare, the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Office of the Government, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) and the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Consideration of Russia’s report included an open and detailed exchange of opinions with the Committee experts on the entire range of issues related to the prevention of crimes against children.

Russian delegates answered over 50 questions and provided exhaustive information on a wide range of issues related, in part, to Russia’s legislation, crime prevention and measures to combat crime, as well as enhancing public awareness and providing assistance to victims.

Members of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child noted with satisfaction the constructive work and professionalism of the Russian delegates.

As per the established procedure, the Committee will prepare its conclusions regarding further efforts to combat the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

The Russian Federation remains committed to close cooperation with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in terms of compliance with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and two Optional Protocols to it concerned with the comprehensive and efficient implementation of the rights of the child and the application of the best interests principle.