IACAT meets Interpol for stronger fight vs exploitation, trafficking of children
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) started closer coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in the fight against exploitation and trafficking of children.
Led by Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, the IACAT met last March 16 with representatives of Interpol Crimes Against Children Unit (Interpol-CACU) “to discuss ways to further strengthen the Philippines’ response to crimes involving children.”
Also present during the meeting was National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) Officer-In-Charge Executive Director Barbara Mae Flores.
The IACAT said the dialogue identified areas “to strengthen collaboration between the IACAT, the NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM and the Interpol-CACU.”
The meeting also discussed enhanced measures to protect child victims and underscore the vital role of non-government organizations (NGOs) in advocacy and survivor support.
“Through this initial discussion, the IACAT affirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation and enhance a responsive, survivor-centered approach in combating online sexual abuse and exploitation of children,” the council said.
It also said the meeting “served as a platform to exchange insights on existing laws, reporting and investigation protocols, and coordination mechanisms among agencies handling child protection cases in the Philippines.”
At the same time, the IACAT said that explored during the meeting were child-sensitive investigative approaches and the integration of medical and psychosocial services in case management.”