Images of children: use and abuse. Which images? And which children?

Images of children: use and abuse. Which images? And which children?

Children are not equal, and above all not equally treated, not even as far as the use of photos is concerned. Children who live in developed countries are very protected whereas children living in the developing areas have essentially no protection. Is it justifiable to use images of children in need, poor, starving and affected by sickness, with no authorization? Is it justifiable even if the aim is to denounce a situation and to raise funds to help to alleviate that situation? Does the end justify the means? Why isn’t the existing regulation fully applied in any circumstances, and why not by some of the non-profit organizations that take care of the rights of the under-18s? What should the approach of the professional photo-journalist be on this issue, day by day, child by child?

Organised in association with UNICEF