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1 June: International Day for the Protection of Children – Renewing our commitment in a digital world
On 1 June, countries worldwide mark the International Day for the Protection of Children, a timely occasion to strengthen our commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and wellbeing. This important occasion serves as a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and...
European law enforcement and prosecutors met in Malta to develop a manual on effective investigation and prosecution of criminalised hate speech
Around 30 participants from law enforcement and prosecutors across different European countries attended a two-day workshop in Malta to start developing a practical manual on effective investigation and prosecution of criminalised hate speech. The workshop provided the space and opportunity to...
Secretary General highlights gender equality as a democratic security imperative at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset took part in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York from 10 to 12 March, stressing that gender equality is not only a human rights issue but also a democratic and security imperative. At a time...
8 March 2026 | International Women's Day: Cyberviolence and the Convention on cybercrime
Every year, the International Women’s Day offers a chance to spotlight advances in the field of women’s rights and equality. As this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Convention on Cybercrime, it provides a special opportunity to reflect on this pioneering and solid international treaty,...
Dealing with new technologies, to ensure equality and protection of women from violence
Ahead of International Women’s Day, marked on 8 March, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has adopted two new recommendations to member states addressing the problems posed to gender equality and non-discrimination, and the increase in violence against women and girls, by the...
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and message from the President of GREVIO, Maria-Andriani Kostopoulou
International Day on the Elimination of Violence against Women 2025: “No woman should live in fear of violence” and “The Istanbul Convention is a powerful tool for change"
Gender-based violence is the number one human rights violation of women in Europe. Democracy rests on the fundamental principle that everyone deserves equal rights and dignity and can live safely and freely. As our democracies are facing new challenges, women’s rights are increasingly called...
European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse: Strengthening the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse through evidence-based policy making
Each year, on 18 November, the Council of Europe observes the Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. This international day serves as a vital reminder of the scale of the issue, the importance of protecting children, and the urgent need to prevent all...
The CyberVAW Conference - strengthening women’s leadership against cyberviolence
The CyberSEE joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe in cooperation with the CyberSouth+, GLACY-e, Octopus projects and CyberKOP Action, with the support of criminal justice authorities from South-East Europe, organised the International conference on combating cyberviolence...
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and message from the President of GREVIO, Maria-Andriani Kostopoulou
European Anti-Trafficking Day: Human trafficking is not only a grave violation of human rights but also a threat to democracy itself
On the European Anti-Trafficking Day, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) emphasizes that human trafficking is not only a grave violation of human rights but also a threat to democracy itself. Trafficking undermines the rule of law, weakens...
Council of Europe Committee of Experts finalises draft Recommendation on accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on combating technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (GEC/PC-eVIO) held its fourth and final meeting from 30 September to 2 October 2025 in Strasbourg. The Committee concluded its work on the draft Recommendation on accountability for...