Content warning: This article includes discussion of child sexual exploitation and trafficking.
A growing global crisis
The online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is an alarming crime that sees adults in one country paying adults in another to livestream the abuse of children. Lorianne Dueck Rebello, Advocacy and Public Engagement Lead at International Justice Mission Canada (IJM), says it’s a crime that tragically implicates Canadians. (see report/research https://www.ijm.ca/scaleofharm)
“This is something that Canada is participating in,” Rebello says. “The Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Council has flagged us for suspicious transactions related to this. But we also believe Canada can help stop it.”
IJM’s work in the Philippines underscores the scale of this crisis: In around one in 100 children there is a victim of OSEC – an estimated half a million children. While Canadians are among the top four buyers of this content, IJM believes that a collective, international response can curb the abuse.
IJM’s approach
IJM’s strategy combines local action in the Philippines with international collaboration.
“On the ground in the Philippines, we work with the national police and government to identify and rescue victims,” Rebello explains. “Some of these children can be as young as a few months old. The average age is about 11.”
The process involves not just rescue but also aftercare, ensuring children receive trauma-informed counselling, education, and long-term support. IJM also launched the Center to End OSEC, a global hub researching best practices and supporting law enforcement in countries like Canada and Australia.
“It’s essential that we address the demand side too,” Rebello says. “We don’t want Canadians simply turning to other countries if the Philippines becomes safer. This is about international collaboration to protect children everywhere.”
Stronger legislation needed
Although OSEC is already illegal in Canada, Rebello stresses that current laws aren’t always enough to keep up with evolving technologies.
“We want to see legislation that makes the internet safe by design for children,” she says. “Features in devices and platforms don’t always keep pace with the rate of exploitation.”
Rebello also highlights the Liberal government’s recent commitments, which include tightening laws, increasing penalties for child luring, and boosting funding to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection in Winnipeg.
“Every major party has promised to work on this issue,” Rebello says. “Our job now is to make sure they follow through.”
How Canadians can help
Rebello encourages Canadians to take action by contacting their MPs and urging them to support these commitments.
“IJM has a template e-mail online that people can use,” she says. “Or they can call or meet with their MP. It’s really about making sure these promises turn into real change.”
Above all, Rebello hopes Canadians understand their role in both the problem and the solution.
“Children everywhere deserve safety,” she says. “We want to see Canadians taking that seriously – because survivors around the world are grateful when their stories are heard here.”