Use of children's images in pornography harmful to all children - UNICEF

UNICEF NZ is concerned at the statement in the case of a prominent Manawatu man convicted of downloading over 300,000 pornographic images, some of children, “that there was no offending against any individuals within New Zealand”.

UNICEF NZ National Advocacy Manager, Barbara Lambourn, says that UNICEF holds the view, along with many others, that any child pornography is extremely harmful to every child no matter where they live.

“New Zealanders can be charged in courts here for sexual offences against children committed in other countries.

“It is reasonable then that New Zealanders offending against children overseas should be treated the same regardless of where the children in those images originate.

“Children worldwide are debased, degraded, disrespected and exploited by this sordid industry and its clientele.

“Efforts to combat expansion of the child pornography industry in this country are as vital as in any other. New Zealand is involved in a global effort to protect children from this type of harm.

“We need to recognise that the behaviour and attitudes of consumers of child pornography puts all children, including children in this country, at risk.

“Our responsibility in this matter is to children. There is an obligation to protect them from the severely harmful effects of child pornography wherever it occurs.

“New Zealand needs to play its part in trying to stamp out what is a global problem.”