Disrupting Harm study presented in Skopje: first comprehensive national evidence on tech‑enabled child sexual exploitation

Results from the Disrupting Harm study — the first comprehensive evidence on the nature and extent of technology‑enabled sexual exploitation and abuse of children in North Macedonia — were presented in Skopje on 26 August 2026.

The research is part of the multi‑country Disrupting Harm programme, funded by Safe Online and carried out by ECPAT International, INTERPOL and the UNICEF Office of Research and Foresight – Innocenti, in partnership with national institutions and organisations in North Macedonia.

Scope and partners

The report consolidates the experiences and views of children, parents and professionals working in the judiciary, law enforcement and child‑ and family‑facing services. It provides systematic evidence intended to map how technology is used to groom, exploit and abuse children online within the country.

Methodologically, the study combined interviews, surveys and consultations with affected groups and practitioners to capture both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. The findings highlight patterns, risk factors and service gaps that hinder detection and protection.

Authors and presenters said the report’s conclusions and recommendations are meant to feed into more effective policies and better coordinated actions across government agencies, civil society and international partners to prevent and respond to online sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

Organisers underscored the need for improved reporting channels, stronger cross‑sector cooperation and strengthened capacities for frontline professionals to identify and support at‑risk children.

Photo: press material from the event