ECPAT NZ

Every Child’s Right - Freedom from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Sex Offenders Register – Still Needed

ECPAT New Zealand is disappointed the Sex Offenders Register Bill has been killed off by the Select Committee. Child sex offenders pose a real threat to children in our communities.

Australia, Canada, the UK and USA successfully operate sex offender registers as a core component in their management of sex offenders. The EU is discussing creating a Europe wide paedophile register to assist police and immigration authorities.

Jane Foster, National Director of ECPAT said;

‘Our children deserve the best protection possible from child sex offenders. A sex offender’s register, together with compulsory treatment programmes and extended supervision are essential tools for the agencies working to keep children safe and reduce the risk of re-offending. The New Zealand public needs to know what concrete steps are taken to manage the risks offenders pose to children’s safety’.

ECPAT calls for an open dialogue on protecting children from sex offenders between government agencies and organisations working for child protection.

Media Release Wednesday 30 August 2006

ENDS

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