In the period of 14 – 18 September 2020, 4 online expert meetings discussion to facilitate the coordinated implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention) were organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Project on combating violence against children in the Republic of Moldova.

The meetings were organised between high-level representatives of the Parliamentary Committees on Human Rights and Interethnic Relations and on Social Protection, Health and Family; as well as of the Government; Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection and Ministry of Internal Affairs, with the international consultant of the Council of Europe Jean Claude Legrand, the Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, Giulia Re and the project team.

The aim of the meetings was to discuss the implementation of the Lanzarote Convention in a coordinated manner between all relevant authorities.

The President of the Commission on Human Rights and Interethnic Relations, Ms Doina Gherman, mentioned that the ratification of the Lanzarote Convention was a great success of the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, the deputy stated that there are shortcomings in its application and spoke in favour of a tougher intervention in the implementation process of this international document, especially in rural areas.

Mr Jean Claude Legrand emphasised the progress achieved by the Moldovan authorities in relation to the improvement of the national legislation according to the standards of the Lanzarote Convention. However, it remains problematic the implementation of this Convention and the proper reporting of child sexual abuse cases. Mr Legrand mentioned that it is important to not lose the spirit of the legislation in the process of its implementation and ensure a coordinated approach between all relevant authorities.

At the same time, several solutions for a better-coordinated approach between authorities were provided and discussed during the online meetings, which provided clear options on the responsibility to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Lanzarote Convention in the Republic of Moldova.

The high-level meetings fall within one of the project objectives: Strengthened interagency cooperation to respond to violence against children in line with Council of Europe recommendations.