On 27 July 2022, a webinar took place in a hybrid link between the speakers who were attending in person and those who joined by AVL. The event was hosted by Clayton Utz, an international law firm based in Sydney. the purpose of the event was to consider a report prepared for the Commonwealth of Nations concerning the risks and dangers faced by young people and children around the world who are subjected to physical and sexual abuse in many, perhaps all, countries. The event under the name of “CommonProtect” was focused on recent research organised in part by the Commonwealth Secretariat and also civil society organisations, including in Australia. Whilst contributors focused on the need for effective law enforcement, some insisted that it was not possible to “legislate away” this endemic problem. Effective policing and support were essential. The Hon. Michael Kirby referred to the need to address the realities of sexual activity involving children and young persons, including those who are LGBTIQ. In those deemed “consenting adults” sexual activity should not be regarded as abuse. Countries which continue to criminalise LGBTIQ activities are illegal needed to reform their criminal laws.
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