On 17 July 2025, as part of its ongoing support aimed at strengthening national efforts to protect children from all forms of violence, the Council of Europe held consultations with key stakeholders and partners in Tbilisi, under the Project Combating Violence Against Children in Georgia.

The day brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of civil society institutions and international partners, followed with a dedicated consultation meeting with representatives of state institutions. Discussions centred around the findings of the recently completed Gap Analysis on the national child protection system, developed within the framework of the Project, and outlined key results achieved in the last 12 months, as well as planned activities for the oncoming period. Participants shared their perspectives on the current child protection environment, identified pressing challenges, and discussed opportunities for strengthening the response to violence against children, including in the digital space. The meeting reaffirmed the crucial role of civil society organisations in promoting children’s rights and highlighted the importance of sustained co-operation and co-ordination among local and international actors.

Key state institutions participating in the meeting, reaffirmed institutional commitment to advancing child protection reforms and aligning national practices with international standards, including the Lanzarote Convention, came to the forefront. Discussions underscored the importance of inter-agency co-ordination and long-term engagement to effectively address all forms of violence against children, including sexual exploitation and online abuse.

The meetings contributed to reinforcing momentum for child protection reform in Georgia and advancing a shared vision of a safe and enabling environment for all children.

The initiative is part of the Council of Europe’s ongoing efforts under the Combating Violence Against Children in Georgia project that is implemented in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia (2024-2027).