Ministry of Justice proposes increasing liability for sexual exploitation of children

The Ministry of Justice has posted a draft law with amendments to current legislation in connection with Ukraine’s ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.

The proposed amendments introduce liability for the sexual exploitation of children into the Criminal Code. Sexual harassment of a children via computer systems or telecommunications networks, as well as suggestions to a minor for a meeting aimed at sexual relations,  would be punishable by imprisonment from 3 to 5 years, or 5 to 8 years for a second offence. Particularly severe penalties – imprisonment from 7 to 12 years are proposed for a mother, father, stepfather or stepmother, guardian or carer of a minor for forcing them to take part in child pornography.  At present some actions are regulated by the article in the Criminal Code “Seduction of a minor” which is punishable by restriction of liberty or imprisonment for up to 5 years.

From a report on the draft law at http://kommersant.ua/doc.html?docId=1493102