Directorate General
Human Rights and
Rule of Law

Campaigns
 
ONE in FIVE: The Council of Europe Campaign to stop sexual violence against children
Available data suggest that about 1 in 5 children in Europe are victims of some form of sexual violence. It is estimated that in 70% to 85% of cases, the abuser is somebody the child knows and trusts. Child sexual violence can take many forms: sexual abuse within the family circle, child pornography and prostitution, corruption, solicitation via Internet and sexual assault by peers.
   
Raise your hand against smacking!
This is a Council of Europe campaign against corporal punishment of children. Corporal punishment is the most widespread form of violence against children and is a violation of their human rights. Ineffective as a means of discipline, it conveys the wrong message and can cause serious physical and mental harm. The Council of Europe is challenging corporal punishment by campaigning for its total abolition and by promoting positive, non-violence parenting in its 47 member states.
 
The underwear rule
The Underwear Rule is a simple guide to help parents explain to children where others should not try to touch them, how to react and where to seek help. What is The Underwear Rule? It’s simple: a child should not be touched by others on parts of the body usually covered by their underwear. And they should not touch others in those areas.
   
"I have rights, you have rights, he/she has rights ..." - Discover children's rights ! 
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 60th Anniversary of the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe has developed some exciting new materials that will enable children to discover their rights in an understandable and enjoyable way. The materials are designed to be used in awareness raising activities in the school and any other places visited by children and/or parents (health centres, social services, sports and cultural centres, etc).