The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers has adopted a new Recommendation to member States on strengthening reporting systems on violence against children. Often underreported and undetected, violence against children remains widespread. Professionals working with children frequently face barriers to reporting when confronted with indications of violence against children, while children often lack access to safe, child-friendly, and reliable counselling and reporting services.

“The Council of Europe is committed to continue promoting a policy of zero tolerance for violence against children in its member States”, said Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić. “This new Council of Europe recommendation will guide our member states in ensuring that effective reporting mechanisms are in place to uphold the rights of the child.”

The recommendation aims to strengthen national systems for professionals and volunteers for reporting all forms of violence against children, as essential elements of national strategies to combat and prevent violence against children. It reminds that member states should provide for clear rules establishing the responsibilities to report violence and in responding to such reports and their follow-up. The guidelines contained in the appendix to this recommendation therefore provide together with its Explanatory Memorandum guidance to member states on how to set out such frameworks, notably by creating a favourable context for reporting violence against children, and by setting up effective reporting and follow-up procedures.

Prepared by the Council of Europe Steering Committee for the Rights of the Child (CDENF), the adopted recommendation contributes to the strategic direction provided by the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027), which defines “freedom from violence for all children” as a core priority.