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        "rendered": "<p><strong>Romania, 18 Feburary, 2026 \u2014\u00a0Romania is taking major steps to update its laws and better protect children from online sexual exploitation. Lawmakers and experts met in Bucharest to discuss changes to the Criminal Code that would ensure the law reflects today\u2019s digital world and clearly recognizes that this form of abuse harms real children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Romanian officials and child\u2011protection experts gathered for an urgent discussion about how to keep children safe from growing online threats. The meeting was organized by the Joint Special Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons together with International Justice Mission (IJM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The focus was a set of proposed changes to Article 374 of the Criminal Code. These changes aim to update old language and make it clear that any photo or video showing sexual abuse of a child represents real harm done to a real child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why these changes are needed now<\/strong><br><br>Participants agreed that children are being targeted online in ways that the law has not kept up with. Offenders are using messaging apps, live video tools, online games and even new technology like AI to approach and exploit children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experts explained that the current law treats this crime as a violation of public order instead of a direct attack on a child. The proposed changes would fix that problem by moving the offense into the part of the law that covers crimes committed against a person. This would bring Romania in line with European standards and help ensure children receive the protection they deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proposal also includes replacing the outdated phrase \u201cchild pornography\u201d with \u201cmaterials containing sexual abuse of minors\u201d, a term that more accurately reflects the seriousness of the crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>High\u2011level support for stronger child protection<\/strong><br><br>The debate was led by Diana Tusa, Member of Parliament and President of the Joint Special Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. She was joined by leaders from across the government, including ministers, national authorities, judges, prosecutors, and police officials, along with civil society representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their participation showed a strong shared commitment to building a safer online environment for children and to working together to create laws that reflect the reality of modern digital exploitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Part of a larger national effort<\/strong><br><br>This work is part of the Child Protection Compact (CPC), a five year partnership between Romania and the United States that began in 2024. The CPC focuses on preventing child trafficking, supporting survivors, and strengthening law enforcement and justice systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the bill moves forward in Parliament, IJM will continue to support Romanian institutions by helping refine the legal language and strengthening coordination across agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ijmhk.org\/en\/take-action\/freedompartner\/\">Support Our Work<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>",
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