At the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on ending violence against children held in Bogotá, Colombia, on 7-8 November, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Marja Ruotanen, showcased the work carried out by the Council of Europe over the twenty years in this field. Freedom from violence for all children has been a key objective of successive Council of Europe Strategies for the Rights of the Child. In Europe and beyond, the organisation supports countries in their journey to prevent and combat violence against children by setting legal standards, monitoring their implementation, providing a platform for exchange of good practice, and by delivering technical assistance through co-operation projects.
In this respect, the Director General underlined the Council of Europe’s efforts to support member states in implementing, inter alia: integrated national strategies; recommendation on effective reporting systems for professionals and volunteers working with children, prohibition of corporal punishment in all settings (home, school and care institutions).
While giving special recognition to those states who have pledged at the Conference to tackle sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, the Director General emphasised the role of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention) in the global fight against one of the most horrific forms of violence against children. The Convention provides a holistic blueprint for any states worldwide to strengthen legislation, policy and practice to prevent sexual abuse, protect child victims, prosecute perpetrators and promote national and international co-operation.
“The Council of Europe stands ready to support the global action to ensure children’s right to be protected from violence, whatever its form. During these past days we have seen that we collectively have the will to combat this pandemic. And we have the tools to do so. Now we just have to get down to work”, stressed Marja Ruotanen in her address.
Council of Europe action on ending violence against children
Calls for Tenders
