The Optional Protocol is a supplement to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and obliges all signatory parties to prohibit the sale of children, child prostitution and depiction of sexual abuse of children (so-called child pornography).

It draws particular attention to these serious violations of children's rights and stresses the importance of international cooperation and greater public awareness.

The Facultative Protocol supplements the Convention by prescribing detailed instructions to States on the cessation of sexual exploitation and abuse of children. It also aims to protect children from being sold for non-sexual purposes, such as other forms of forced labour, illegal adoption and organ donation.