IJM Philippines and Freedom Collaborative are pleased to partner on a two-part webinar series, which will provide a platform for dialogue and learning on the issue of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) in the Philippines and the collaborative responses and initiatives of churches and faith-based organizations against this crime – a new form of human trafficking and a threat to children.

Philippines is known as the ‘global hotspot for OSEC’, and a recent study, led by IJM, shows a dramatic rise in the prevalence of internet-based child sexual exploitation (CSE*) in the country between 2014 and 2017. Pandemic lockdowns have exacerbated the situation, creating the perfect conditions for a rise in cases, as quarantined child sex offenders spend more time online and vulnerable children are also confined at home, often with their traffickers.

In this first webinar, IJM discusses the work they do to address OSEC in the Philippines, focusing on effective strategies and collaborations with churches, ministries and faith-based organizations to put an end to this abuse. A representative from one of the churches shares their response to this issue and explain how they have adapted their anti-trafficking program to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presentation slides:

IJM Philippines

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Philippines

Speakers:

Ms. Mary Girlie Glen M. Tupas, Senior Lead, Church Partnerships, International Justice Mission – Philippines

Mr. Leody Tan Echavez, III, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator for Philippines and Micronesia, Church of the Nazarene

Andy C. Alegre (Moderator), Senior Strategist, Church Partnerships, International Justice Mission – Philippines

Julia Macher (Facilitator), Director of Freedom Collaborative, Liberty Shared