pornography using computer graphics technologies.
2) Questions
116. Does the Government have a plan to amend the legislation on child pornography in light of
the relevant provisions of the Optional Protocol? Does the Government have accurate information on
the victims of child pornography? What measures does the Government undertake to solve this
problem?
Child prostitution
1) Current situation
117. According to the statistical data released by the Government, the incidence of child prostitution
has decreased, largely thanks to the enaction of the Special Law on Prostitution in 2004 and the
intensive and extensive crackdowns on prostitution in 2006. However, child prostitution is still
persistent. In particular, child prostitution takes place in various channels, as is illustrated in the
report that, in 2007, 93.6% (701 out of the total 839 cases) of the child prostitution incidents were
Internet-based.
118. At present, the government policies to protect and support the victims of child prostitution are
enforced by two ministries: the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Gender Equality
and Family. This means a dual structure in the relevant legislation, the coverage of beneficiaries, the
definition of criminal activities and the operation of service agencies. This duality might cause a
confusion to both the enforcing ministries and the service users.
119. According to the statistical data released by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in
2010, the proportion of male children in the victims of child prostitution is low now but continues
to grow, and the ages of the victims are getting younger.
120. Due to a large number of cases of child prostitution involving Korean people in Kiribati,
Thailand and the Philippines, Korea is cited as a typical nation in violation of the children's human
rights but the Korean Government has not taken responsive measures to address this issue.
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