National Anti-Paedophilia and Kiddie-Porn Day

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Defence Minister Guido Crosetto’s message on the occasion of the event organized by Fondazione SOS Il Telefono Azzurro ETS at the Council of Ministers’ Multi-Function Hall for the National Anti-Paedophilia and Kiddie-Porn Day. 

“Defending the most vulnerable, i.e. children and teenagers, from every form of abuse, exploitation and violence is a moral and civil duty which calls into play all State Institutions, bar none. The Defence also is engaged, within its sphere of action, in contributing to build a safe, focused, informed context, able to prevent risks and effectively protect the rights of childhood.

At times when technology offers new opportunities as well as new threats, the fight against the dissemination of kiddie porn and all forms of digital violence becomes a crucial challenge. We need a common effort, at the national and international level, involving all institutions, Law and Order agencies, schools, families and the civil society.

In this regard, on 15 April we have officially opened a discussion table between the Defence Ministry and Fondazione Telefono Azzurro, after signing a 3-year MoU providing a structured collaboration and intervention path for the protection of minors. An innovative project, that I have strongly advocated, which sees the Armed Forces engaged in three specific areas of intervention.

Thanks to the scientific and educational contribution of Telefono Azzurro, a special education course will soon start for Armed Forces units operating in emergency situations, with specific modules dedicated to child abuse recognition and management, safeguarding minors and active listening. Social and psychological support services will also be activated, as well as research activities on the behaviour of children living in traumatic contexts.
 
This protocol is a concrete sign: the Defence is a big family, and within this family children must have a special place. Protecting them today means raising tomorrow’s informed citizens”.