Medellín, once again, faces the grim reality of sexual exploitation of minors, a challenge that has come to the forefront following an incident in an El Poblado hotel. This case has sparked a city-wide conversation about how to effectively combat the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (Escnna – La Explotación Sexual Comercial De Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes), with consensus among stakeholders on the necessity for a comprehensive strategy.
Acción Corazón, an independent social movement formed in 2015, stresses the complexity of addressing Escnna, describing it as not only a systematic rights violation but also an abuse of power and exploitation of vulnerability. As part of Medellín’s intersectoral committee for Escnna prevention, the organization calls for a unified response that transcends individual efforts by the city’s administration, the legal system, civil society, and other institutions. It highlights the importance of collaboration across various sectors of society to prevent and combat this issue effectively.
The recent failure to detain an individual suspected of exploiting minors, due to the technicality of not being caught in flagrante delicto, has raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in such cases. This incident has led to calls for greater accountability and more robust action against those responsible for exploiting vulnerable individuals.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Medellín’s Mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, has announced two provisional decrees. The first decree, set to last six months, aims to curb the solicitation of sexual services and related activities in public spaces, specifically targeting areas identified as hotspots for human trafficking networks. The second decree introduces a pilot plan to adjust the operating hours of establishments selling and/or consuming alcohol in strategic locations, an effort to dismantle the operations of criminal groups involved in trafficking.
These initiatives represent Medellín’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual exploitation through both preventative measures and legislative action. By adopting a holistic approach and fostering intersectoral collaboration, the city hopes to protect its most vulnerable citizens and eradicate the scourge of Escnna from its communities.