ECPAT is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) and network headquartered in Thailand which is designed to end commercial sexual exploitation of children. Founded in 1990, ECPAT is a presence in more than 75 nations and serves the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) in Special Consultative Status.
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The organization, the name of which is drawn from "End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes", was formed in 1990 in Thailand in response to the increasing practice of child prostitution in Asia.[1][2] Initially intended as a three-year regional program, ECPAT's purpose expanded with growing awareness of the commercial sexual exploitation of children in other regions. ECPAT held its first International Assembly in 1999, with more than 50 countries sending representatives to the Bangkok meeting. Additional International Assemblies have been held in 2002, 2005 and 2008. As of 2011, the number of countries with ECPAT affiliated organizations numbers over 75.
The member organizations of ECPAT function independently under the oversight of an International Board in pursuit of the goal of ending child sexual exploitation, with international assemblies held every three years.[3] Each group focuses on the needs of its area, but may also provide outreach support to other groups.