Sexual violence against children in the light of analysis by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Abstract

Sexual violence against children is a serious challenge for the contemporary international community. Ways of more effective counteracting this phenomenon are being sought. A special role plays in this process Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention), CETS No. 201. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in Resolution 2330 (2020) and Recommendation 2175 (2020) Addressing sexual violence against children - stepping up action and co-operation in Europe, adopted on June 26, 2020, assessed the situation in this area in Europe and presented recommendations on the issue of combating this phenomenon more effectively. The dangers in this area during the Covid-19 pandemic play a significant role in this process. The author analyzed these PACE documents in broader context of research on this subject and emphasized their importance for international efforts to combat sexual violence against children.