President Oscar Arias signed a law yesterday to crack down on the sexual exploitation of minors.
Among its main provisions, the law criminalizes the possession of child pornography, making it punishable by up to two years in prison, and increases protection for victims of sexual exploitation ages 13 and under.
“We are an international destination for child sex tourism, and we are also a transit zone for the trade of young people for sexual exploitation,” said Arias at a press conference. “Denial won't get us anywhere.”
Arias said child sexual exploitation has its roots in poverty, inequality, lack of opportunity, drug addiction, school dropout and family problems. Tackling these problems, he added, is essential to waging a successful battle against sexual exploitation of children.
The law was proposed by Social Christian Party legislator Ana Helena Chacón and approved by the legislature in June, according to the wire service ACAN-EFE. |
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