ECPAT is a network of organisations and individuals working at all levels to build collaboration among local civil society actors and the broader child rights community to form a global social movement to combat commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). ECPAT groups give depth and quality to implementation measures at the local level while the Secretariat provides technical and informational support, holds workshops and other forums to extend and exchange knowledge and capacity among groups in different countries, and represents and advocates internationally on key issues on behalf of the Network.

The sexual exploitation of children takes place in both developing and developed countries, in all continents. In reaction to this situation, the ECPAT network has grown to 81 members in 73 countries, each fighting to prevent CSEC.