Taking Action Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children in Street Situations: FAAI Organises Its First Event at the UN

On 8 December 2025, FAAI organised its first-ever event at the United Nations in Geneva, in partnership with Ms Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale, Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Abuse of Children. 

Bringing together 25 representatives from Permanent Missions, the event aimed to raise awareness among UN Member States about the situation of children in street situations and the urgent need to protect them from sexual exploitation. The initiative was also supported by numerous co-sponsoring Permanent Missions, including South Africa, Uruguay, the European Union, Germany, Slovenia, Lithuania, as well as other organisations. 

The Special Rapporteur presented her new report, “A Child-Centred Response to the Sexual Exploitation of Children in Street Situations”, highlighting concrete recommendations to strengthen the protection of these children. She emphasised the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action, aimed not only at protecting children from violence and sexual exploitation but also at addressing root causes such as poverty and discrimination. A summary of her report is available here. 

"It is our responsibility, these are our children," she reminded. 

The panel, moderated by Bénédicte Pansier, Secretary-General of FAAI, also brought together the Ambassador of Uruguay, William, a young advocate supported by our partner in Cameroon and formerly a child in street situations, as well as Lucy Borja, Director of Casa Generación, our partner in Peru. 

Joining online from Cameroon, William shed light on the harsh realities faced by children in street situations, while highlighting their resilience, courage, and the urgent need for action. He delivered a powerful testimony to the diplomats, emphasising how neglected children in street situations often are: 

"I experienced invisibility, the kind that makes you doubt your own existence. I was a child a street child" 

Lucy Borja presented more than twenty years of her organisation’s work in Peru to provide alternatives for children in street situations affected by exploitation through the project Jardinitos de mi ciudad. Born of collaboration between civil society, the State, and the private sector, the project combines adapted education and paid vocational training, enabling children to earn an income while learning. According to the Director of Casa Generación, the key to reintegration lies in children’s and young people’s autonomy and independence. 

Thanks to William and Lucy, supported by FAAI, field realities were brought directly to the heart of this international dialogue. 

Finally, Her Excellency Alejandra De Bellis Bonilla, Ambassador of Uruguay, shared inspiring examples of Uruguayan policies and initiatives to protect children in street situations, enriching the panel with the perspective of a State. 

At FAAI, we remain fully committed to defending the rights of children in street situations in collaboration with our local partners, ensuring that no child is left invisible or vulnerable. We hope that this event in Geneva will encourage concrete action by governments and strengthen cooperation among States, civil society, and key stakeholders, to sustainably protect these children from exploitation and all forms of violence, while guaranteeing the protection, dignity, and rights that are theirs by law.