Sexual exploitation of children in Sweden
In 2007 the Government decided to update the action plan against sexual exploitation of children. The first action plan was adopted by the Government in 1998. The ten measures presented in the action plan are intended to complement the work already under way in Sweden and internationally.
The action plan contains ten new measures to further combat the sexual exploitation of children in Sweden and the rest of the world. The plan also describes the completed and ongoing measures to combat sexual exploitation of children in the public, private and voluntary sectors both in and outside Sweden.
The action plan is primarily aimed at state and local government authorities that come into contact with children, agencies responsible for tourism, the travel industry and stakeholder organisations involved in these issues:
- No child in Sweden is to be subjected to sexual exploitation.
- No children in other countries are to be subjected to sexual exploitation by people from Sweden.
- Children subjected to sexual exploitation will receive the support and assistance they need.
- Sweden will contribute to effective international cooperation on these issues.
Ten-measure action plan
The ten measures presented in the action plan are intended to complement the work already under way in Sweden and internationally. These measures involve:
- combating sexual exploitation of children in tourism and travel;
- disseminating knowledge;
- mapping measures targeting perpetrators;
- increasing cooperation at national and international level;
- reviewing the existing legislation.
A follow-up of the measures in the action plan was conducted in 2010 and presented in an appendix to the Government's proposed strategy for strengthening the rights of the child in Sweden (Government Bill 2009/10:232). The Government intends to follow up the entire action plan in 2012.
Relevant rules and documents
A plan against sexual exploitation of children
Strategy for strengthening the rights of the child in Sweden (Govt. Bill 2009/10:232)
