Dutch Maud de Boer-Buquicchio new chairman ECPAT International
The Dutch Maud de Boer-Buquicchio has been appointed today as chairman of the board of ECPAT International. Founded in 1990, the organization is committed worldwide to combating and preventing the sexual exploitation of children. In our country, Defense for Children and ECPAT Netherlands form one organization. Carrie van der Kroon, coordinator of international programmes, lobbying and advocacy at Defense for Children – ECPAT, has been representing Western Europe on the board for three months. We are delighted with the appointment of both Maud de Boer-Buquicchio and Carrie van der Kroon and wish them both every success.
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio has more than earned her spurs in the field of gender equality and the promotion of children's rights, especially in the field of protecting children against all forms of violence. For example, she was the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children for two terms, from 2014 to 2020. She focused on country visits and researching online violence against children, illegal adoptions, commercial surrogacy, child labor and the sale and sexual exploitation of children in sports. Not only the causes were discussed, but also possible protective measures and remedies.
Born in Hoensbroek in 1944, De Boer – Buquicchio attended grammar school in Deventer and studied French language and literature in Leiden, after which she switched to a law degree. After graduating, she started her working life at the European Human Rights Commission. This was followed by positions at the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. Throughout her career, she has always worked closely with civil society and the ECPAT network. De Boer – Buquicchio, who has been awarded by several countries, said when she accepted her new position:
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio
Maud “I can think of no more noble task than fighting the sexual exploitation of children. Solutions exist. The dedicated and committed members of the international ECPAT network are empowered to bring about change. Together, we continue to call on countries, organizations, companies and individuals to do everything in their power to stop these global abuses.”
ECPAT International
The international ECPAT network consists of 122 local organizations in 104 countries, spread all over the world. The International Secretariat of ECPAT is based in Bangkok. ECPAT works globally for a safer world for children through research, advocacy and action where needed.
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