In an effort to enable the representation of the condition of children who are commercially sexually exploited in South Asia, South Asia Partnership has compiled seven country reviews (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) incorporating regional insights in preparation for the pre-Yokohama Working Consultation for South Asia held in Dhaka from 5-6 November 2001.

The Second World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children was held in Yokohama (Japan), from the 17 - 20 December 2001. SAP International participated at the Second World Congress and organized a South Asian Caucus Meeting on the 18th December 2001.

The South Asian Country Reviews of CSEC focus on the prevalence and forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children in South Asia. The six themes identified for the Yokohama Congress (child pornography, pbevention, protection and recovery of children from sexual exploitation, trafficking in children, legislation and law enforcement, profile of the child exploiter, and the role and involvement of the private sector) is discussed and assessed in a South Asian context. The analysis also includes an assessment of national progress towards fulfilment of the commitments made by Governments at the First World Congress in Stockholm, 1996. Special focus is given to the existence and implementation of the National Plan of Action (NPA), appointment of focal points and establishment of databases on commercial sexual exploitation of children within each country. Major roadblocks to progress are considered as well as mechanisms that have contributed to positive changes.

The reviews include case-studies of 'good practices and points of learning' consisting of interventions by NGOs/INGOs, UN-agencies, Governments, media and other private sector organizations in combating commercial sexual exploitation of children. The case studies reflect positive change deriving from different types of interventions such as prevention, protection, recovery and reintegration. Challenges and priorities at national and regional level together with insights for the 'Way Forward have been identified in the reviews.