ECLAG FAQs

What is ECLAG?

The European Child Sexual Abuse Legislation Advocacy Group (ECLAG) is a coalition of child rights non-governmental organisations fighting to protect children from sexual violence and abuse. The organisations involved in ECLAG have joined forces to ensure child rights are prioritised in EU digital and social policy, an issue which is already firmly grounded in EU principles and strategies as well as its law. These groups advocate for the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation proposed by the European Commission in May 2022 to be passed. The wider ECLAG participating group comprises more than 60 European and global organisations. The steering group consists of ECPAT, Eurochild, Missing Children Europe, IWF, Terre des Hommes and Thorn.

Why was it formed?

Child rights organisations have joined forces under a common mission: protect all children’s rights, including the right to protection and care and to live free from violence, under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the EU Child Rights Strategy and the 2011 Directive on child sexual abuse and exploitation. We aim to safeguard children from the heinous crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation online. By fostering partnerships and encouraging collaboration among NGOs, government agencies, private sector organisations, and civil society, we strive for a comprehensive approach that leaves no child behind.

ECLAG emerged as a joint effort of child rights NGOs to optimise collective action by the child rights community and its key allies, with a common vision that the EU puts in place a robust legislation to end child sexual abuse and exploitation. The group provides a framework for members and child rights organisations to share knowledge, ideas and materials related either directly or indirectly to EU and national legislative actions to fight child sexual abuse. It is also a focal point for advocacy and campaigns, as members adopt and amplify existing campaign materials individually or in groups. 

When was it formed?

It was created in April 2022.

ECLAG emerged from an informal coalition of several child rights organisations working to ensure the comprehensive protection of children in EU digital policy. It was created to build alignment and cooperation among civil society organisations with common goals.

Which organisations are involved?

The ECLAG is organised via a Steering Group, which provides strategic coordination and develops position papers and recommendations, and a wider Participating Group.

The steering group consists of ECPAT, Eurochild, Missing Children Europe, IWF, Terre des Hommes and Thorn.

Each member of the ECLAG Steering Group is registered in the EU Transparency Register.

 The wider coalition currently consists of:

  1. Child Rights Center Albania (CRCA) - ECPAT Albania
  2. ECPAT Austria
  3. Child Focus
  4. ECPAT Bulgaria - Neglected Children Society
  5. National Network for Children - Bulgaria
  6. Bogdanov
  7. Association Camerounaise pour la Promotion et la Défense des Droits de l'Enfant (ACPDE)
  8. "Hope For Children" CRC Policy Center
  9. Cesta z krize
  10. Save the Children Denmark
  11. COFACE Families Europe
  12. Eurochild
  13. European Network of Migrant Women
  14. Missing Children Europe
  15. Victim Support Europe
  16. WAVE (Women Against Violence Europe)
  17. Save the Children
  18. 5Rights Foundation
  19. Internet Watch Foundation
  20. WWP European Network
  21. Lasten perusoikeudet - Children´s Fundamental Rights ry
  22. Save the Children Finland
  23. Suojellaan Lapsia ry / Protect Children
  24. Brave movement/Be Brave France
  25. Cameleon Association France 
  26. ECPAT France
  27. ECPAT Germany
  28. Innocence and Danger
  29. Stiftung Digitale Chancen
  30. Network for Children's Rights
  31. The Smile of the Child
  32. The Smile of the Child
  33. Hintalovon Child Rights Foundation
  34. Brave Movement
  35. Child Fund Alliance
  36. Child Helpline International
  37. ECPAT International
  38. End Violence Global Partnership
  39. INHOPE
  40. International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children
  41. International Justice Mission
  42. International Justice Mission’s Center to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children
  43. Marie Collins Foundation
  44. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
  45. Oak Foundation
  46. Purpose
  47. Terre des Hommes International Federation
  48. Tim Tebow Foundation
  49. Thorn
  50. WeProtect Global Alliance
  51. World Vision International
  52. Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC)
  53. ECPAT Italy
  54. ECPAT Luxembourg
  55. Defence for Children - ECPAT Netherlands
  56. Terre des Hommes Netherlands
  57. ECPAT Norge
  58. Lightup Norway
  59. Happy Kids Foundation
  60. Centro Integrado de Apoio Familiar
  61. Instituto de Apoio à Criança
  62. NGO AjudAjudar
  63. MiudosSegurosNa.Net
  64. Agarrados à Net
  65. Tacteennaeil (ECPAT Korea)
  66. Salvați copiii România
  67. eLiberare
  68. FAPMI / ECPAT Spain
  69. Child10
  70. ECPAT Sweden
  71. ECPAT Türkiye
  72. #stop_sexting
  73. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
  74. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation
  75. Augusta Associates, LLC
  76. Child Rescue Coalition