TIRANA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Albanian President Ilir Meta on Thursday called for better policies and legal framework in order to stop violence and sexual exploitation of children.

Meta made this statement at an event organized together with the Center for the Rights of the Child in Albania, on the occasion of the launch of a national movement called "We are one - Together against violence and sexual exploitation of children in Albania."

"Violence and sexual exploitation of children is one of the most serious criminal and cruel abuses that can occur in a society," Meta said.

The president underlined that this is high time "not only to raise voices to protect children's rights, but also to improve policies, legal framework to ... stop violence and sexual exploitation of children."

The widespread use of internet and technology, Meta noted, has further exposed children to the risk of violence and abuse.

The president declared that during COVID-19 pandemic there has been a rise in child sexual abuse reported online, due to increased hours spent online.

Meta emphasized that Albania needs a special law on child protection on online platforms, as well as amendments to the Criminal Code for juveniles with a special focus on protection from sexual violence.

The national movement "We are one" aims to address the challenges and shortcomings in protecting children from violence and sexual exploitation throughout Albania, by engaging citizens, parents, teachers, educators, artists, public officials, civil society, youth and children themselves, to denounce any act of violence or sexual exploitation of children, as well as to work with the authorities to take action to protect, care for and raise awareness of children and families from the consequences of violence. Enditem

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