On 18 November 2020 a flash-mob with the participation of 50 children took place in Chisinau. The aim of the event was to raise awareness on child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in the Republic of Moldova, in the context of the European Day for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.

The objectives of the European Day are: ► raising public awareness on this issue; ► facilitating open discussions, helps prevent and eliminate stigma of victims; ► promoting the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention).

“Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children is a serious threat to children's well-being. These are serious violations of children's rights and have long-lasting and often harmful consequences for their entire lives. To prevent these crimes, perpetrators must be investigated by justice and victims protected, we must ensure that parents, educators, NGOs and decision makers do not avoid the problem, but bring it to light and discuss ways and take practical measures to solve it”, said Giulia RE, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau.

The flash-mob was organized by the Council of Europe project Combating violence against children in the Republic of Moldova and it represents the launching of the awareness campaign on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in the Republic of Moldova to be carried out by the end of the next year.