Joint Media Release

The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon Philip Ruddock MP, Attorney General

22 January 2007

Ratification of the Two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child

The Australian Government is pleased to announce Australia's ratification of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography was developed to protect children from the worst forms of commercial exploitation.  The Optional Protocol obliges countries to criminalise serious violations of children's rights.  These violations include the transfer of organs from children for profit, child prostitution and child pornography, and the sale of a child for sexual exploitation and forced labour.

Child exploitation is a serious issue for the international community and for Australia. Ratification of this Optional Protocol reflects the Australian Government's strong stance on people trafficking and child exploitation issues in the region.  Ratification complements Australia's strong legislation and enforcement arrangements to combat sex crimes against children.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict establishes a new international standard for the protection of children in armed conflict.  It requires countries to take all feasible measures to ensure that members of their armed forces under 18 years do not take a direct part in hostilities.  The Optional Protocol also requires countries to ensure that persons under 18 years are not compulsorily recruited into their armed forces.

The widespread involvement of children in armed conflicts currently taking place around the world is a matter of great concern.  Ratification demonstrates a continuing commitment by the Australian Government to the broader objectives of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the promotion and protection of children's rights in this area.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500, Mr Ruddock's office - Michael Pelly