In light of the current public discussions and debate, considering the diverse range of national approaches, and following the substantial response received  to its two thematic questionnaires launched in 2021, the Lanzarote Committee (i.e. Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse) has decided to dedicate its annual capacity building event to the challenges raised by the statutes of limitation for sexual offenses against children and the legal age for sexual activities, in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of France to the Council of Europe.

The seminar will explore the main challenges and will include an overview and comparative analysis of the national approaches to these topics in the 48 States Parties to the Lanzarote Convention, interventions by experts and representatives coming from a wide range of States, as well as question and answer sessions.

The event will take place on 31 May 2023 in Strasbourg and online and will be livestreamed in English and French.

Marie Fontanel, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the Council of Europe and Marja Ruotanen, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe will deliver opening remarks. Regina Jensdottir, Council of Europe Coordinator for the Rights of the Child and Irena Guidikova, Head of the Children’s Rights and Sport Values Department, Council of Europe, will moderate the discussions.

 Link to livestreaming