A/HRC/31/34 encounter online. Children less experienced in Internet use should therefore be specifically encouraged and enabled to use online reporting tools, which should be easy to use and simple.22 3. Blocking and filtering 44. Blocking and filtering lists are important mechanisms used to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation online, by preventing such content from being accessed. It does not in and of itself constitute censorship or a violation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; as noted by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, however, child protection concerns have been used as a cover for inappropriate or disproportionate blocking and filtering on issues such as sexual and reproductive health, sexuality, politics and advocacy (A/HRC/17/27, para. 9). 45. States should establish clear rules to prevent filtering and blocking systems from being used to process anything other than child sexual abuse material. Blocking lists and filtering should have a clear legal basis, sufficient transparency and effective safeguards against misuse, including judicial oversight. All citizens, and especially children, should have the right to know about any restrictions that are in place, and have the basis for them explained. 4. Training of law enforcement and those involved in the administration of justice 46. In conjunction with a strong legislative framework, it is also important that specialist law enforcement units be created to investigate those offences and that they work closely with specialist agencies that are trained to work with child victims. These investigations require highly sophisticated, cutting-edge technology, such as forensic computer analysis, to gather the appropriate electronic evidence. Law enforcement online is particularly challenging given that physical contact need not occur in order for a crime to be committed, and much of the evidence involved in these cases is in a volatile electronic format that may elude traditional policing methods.23 Only by building up a framework of dedicated officers can those offences be properly tackled (A/HRC/28/56, para. 54). 47. In addition to specialized forces, it is important that training on offences relating to sexual abuse of children be institutionalized in the training for all members of the judiciary, prosecutors and law enforcement. This is required to handle digital evidence and to assess the weight and value of this type of evidence, as well as to understand child abuse and exploitation cases associated with the use of new technologies. 5. Care, recovery and reparation for victims 48. When considering the detection, investigation and prosecution of child online sexual exploitation, it is important that the process be victim-centred. Recovery of the child and the avoidance of re-victimization should be given due consideration when deciding whether and when to prosecute an offender. In the best interest of the child, that may entail allowing the victim a period of recovery to receive the necessary support, as well as assistance in cases where the child victims will interact with the justice system. Criminal prosecution of a perpetrator should not adversely affect the health and recovery of the victim, and the victim’s rights and interests should be secured and protected throughout the legal process. 22 23 Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Releasing Children’s Potential and Minimizing Risks (see footnote 1), p. 59. UNODC, Comprehensive Study on Cybercrime, February 2013, p. xi. 11