An international conference dealing with issues such as child prostitution and trafficking begins today in Limerick.
The International Forum for Child Welfare (IFCW) will run until August 31st and is hosted by the Barnardos family agency.
Members will hear discussions on a number of child-centric issues such as the rehabilitation of child soldiers, child prostitution and trafficking and dangers that face children on the Internet.
Other topics to be addressed at the conference include the needs of children after natural disasters and in war. Presentations will also be made on the situation faced by children in Northern Ireland.
Established in 1989, the IFCW is a non-governmental organisation that holds consultative status with the United Nations. It has been headed by Barnardos chief executive Mr Owen Keenan since early this year.