Opening the Informal Conference of Ministers responsible for children's rights, Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset has reaffirmed the Organisation's commitment to the protection of children against sexual violence. The conference marks the 15th anniversary of the Council of Europe's Lanzarote Convention.
"Fifteen years on, the Lanzarote Convention remains the only legally binding treaty dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse," stated Secretary General. "The threats have changed, but our responsibility has not. We must close the gap between law and practice, with the urgency our children deserve."
Since the entry into force of the Lanzarote Convention in 2010, progress has been real, the Secretary General noted. More than half of Council of Europe member states have adopted the Barnahus model, which brings together police, prosecutors, doctors, psychologists and child protection services in a single, child-friendly setting, so child victims only tell their story once and re-traumatisation is avoided. Statutes of limitation for sexual offences against children have been extended or abolished in several states. But serious challenges remain and must be addressed.
"Sexual violence against children is not only a human rights violation - it is a public health issue, one with long-term psychological, emotional, and economic consequences. A preventive, public health approach is essential: that means raising awareness, screening and training adults who work with children, empowering children to recognise abuse and seek help," the Secretary General said. In the face of fast-evolving new challenges, such as AI, "technology must be regulated - and used to combat, not facilitate sexual violence", Berset argued.
It is the first time that Ministers responsible for children's rights of Council of Europe member states, as well as other political leaders, experts and representatives of international organisations come together for a high-level thematic conference. Organised under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, the event aims to reinforce a spirit of joint vision and responsibility in advancing the Convention's goals and shaping a common path forward.
High-level representatives reflected on 15 years of progress in implementing the Lanzarote Convention, identified new and persistent challenges, shared promising practices on how to keep children safe from harm, and empower them to grow up in safety and dignity, free from sexual violence.
Speech by Secretary General Alain Berset
Informal Conference of Ministers
