WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao Parliament has approved legislation significantly increasing the maximum prison sentence for grooming, the online luring of children for sexual abuse, from two years to six years. Justice Minister Shalten Hato described the measure as an important step in strengthening the protection of minors and combating crimes targeting children.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the legislation, Hato emphasized that protecting children remains a top priority for the government and should never be subject to compromise.
“At the beginning of this government term, I stated that we would take a tougher approach toward crimes committed against children and further strengthen the criminal-law protection of minors. Today, we have taken a concrete step in that direction,” the minister told Parliament.
The newly approved legislation allows courts to impose substantially harsher penalties on individuals who use online platforms to contact, manipulate, or lure children for the purpose of sexual exploitation or abuse.
According to Hato, the increased maximum sentence sends a clear message that Curaçao will not tolerate those who seek to exploit children through digital means.
“Anyone who approaches children online with malicious intentions must know that Curaçao will respond firmly,” the minister stated.
Hato stressed that the legislation is about more than simply increasing prison terms. He described the measure as part of a broader effort to strengthen safeguards for children and to ensure that law enforcement and the justice system have stronger tools to address emerging threats in the digital age.
The minister argued that crimes such as grooming can have devastating consequences for young victims, affecting not only their immediate safety but also their long-term development and future well-being.
By approving the amendment, Parliament has chosen to strengthen legal protections for minors and reinforce the government's commitment to combating child exploitation, Hato said.
The legislation comes amid growing international concern about online child exploitation and the use of social media, messaging applications, and other digital platforms by predators seeking contact with minors. Governments around the world have increasingly moved to strengthen laws and penalties to address these evolving threats.
For Curaçao, the approval of the bill represents one of the most significant recent changes in criminal legislation aimed at protecting children. The government believes the tougher penalties will serve both as a deterrent to potential offenders and as a demonstration of the country's commitment to safeguarding its youngest citizens.
“The protection of children is not an issue on which concessions can be made,” Hato told Parliament, adding that the new law reflects Curaçao’s determination to act decisively against crimes that threaten the safety, development, and future of children.