UN expert on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography to visit the United Arab Emirates

GENEVA (9 October 2009) --

The UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Ms. Najat M’jid Maalla (Morocco), will undertake a country visit to the United Arab Emirates from 12 to 18 October 2009.

"During my six-day mission, I will gather first-hand information on the main issues related to the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, as well as on the child protection system in general." said the Rapporteur.

The Special Rapporteur will visit the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. "I will hold meetings with representatives of the Government, both at the Federal and local levels, and with members of the judicial branch, and examine policies and practices in addressing issues related to my mandate."

The Rapporteur will also meet with UN representatives, non-governmental organizations and visit shelters and centres that deal with child victims of exploitation and abuse.

A press conference will be held at 12h00 on Sunday 18 October 2009, at the UN House in Abu Dhabi (Al-Karamah Street, Villa No. 226/2, Abu Dhabi). A final report on the visit will be submitted to the Human Rights Council in 2010.

Ms. Najat M’jid Maalla ( Morocco) was appointed Special Rapporteur on the sale of children in May 2008. She is independent from any government or organization. Ms. M’jid Maalla is a member of the Commission on the Rights of the Child of the Moroccan Consultative Council on Human Rights, and the founder of the non-governmental organization BAYTI, the first programme addressing the situation of children living in the street in Morocco.