European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse

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2024 Date	18 November 2024
2025 Date	18 November 2025

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European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse in

Monday, 18 Nov

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European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is aimed at raising awareness of the need to protect and safeguard children from these heinous crimes. The day highlights the importance of promoting a safe environment for children across Europe, encouraging governments and societies to adopt the necessary measures to prevent and combat these forms of abuse. It also emphasizes the importance of education, training, and communication in facilitating a better understanding of the issues and building a strong, coordinated response to address them.

The Council of Europe inaugurated this observance on November 18, 2011, choosing the date following the adoption of the Lanzarote Convention. The Lanzarote Convention is a legally binding instrument designed to battle child sexual abuse and exploitation in the form of prostitution, pornography, or other means. The day has gained considerable significance, as instances of child sexual exploitation and abuse persist, requiring robust, cross-border cooperation between countries in implementing effective policies and practices. This cooperation also includes sharing valuable information and resources, and ensuring victims or potential victims receive appropriate support.

Citizens, civil society organizations, and public authorities participate in seminars, workshops, and campaigns to spread the message of prevention and protection while eliminating the stigma associated with these crimes. These activities foster a collective commitment among European citizens to strive toward eradicating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is observed annually on November 18th.

Top facts and quotes about European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse

The Lanzarote Convention (or the Council of Europe Convention on Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse) requires the criminalisation of all kinds of sexual offences against children. All 47 Council of Europe states have signed the Convention.
Sexual abuse (20.7%) is second only to physical abuse (28.3%) in prevalence according to a study from the CDC/Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences study
A person's a person, no matter how small. — Dr. Seuss
No violence against children is justifiable; all violence against children is preventable - United Nations Global Study on Violence Against Children, 2006
Sexual assault against children is an urgent human rights issue and fighting it should be a political priority - Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, 2011