UN Expert welcomes ratification by the Republic of Mauritius of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

Port Louis (Geneva 9 May 2011) – The Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Ms Najat Maalla M’jid, who is currently on official visit to the Republic of Mauritius, welcomed the ratification on 6 May 2011 by the Government of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

The Special Rapporteur noted that the ratification of the Optional Protocol is part of an ongoing national process of review of political and legislative measures with a view to ensuring effective and sustainable protection of children and to guaranteeing the best interests of each and every child, without discrimination.
ENDS

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

Learn more about the mandate and work of the Special Rapporteur: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/children/rapporteur/index.htm or write to srsaleofchildren@ohchr.org.