On the occasion of the International Children’s Day (1 June), the Council of Europe cooperation projects have organised a series of activities to raise awareness on children’s rights, child abuse (including in the digital environment), and prevention measures, with a focus on sensitizing children themselves and professionals working for and with children.

On the one hand, the Council of Europe project “Combating violence against children in the Republic of Moldova” (2020-2021), organised two artistic workshops with children in Balti and Cahul on 29 May and 1 June respectively, and will be launching a mural in the Valea Morilor Park in Chisinau on 4 June. During these events, which followed COVID-19 safety measures, children have been informed about the national hotline “Child's phone” (116 111), which they can call for advice and help in case of abuse.

On the other hand, in the framework of the project “Combating violence against children in Ukraine” (2020-2021), a webinar titled "Safety code in professional interaction with the child" was organised by the All-Ukrainian Charity “Child Well-Being Fund” (CWBF) on 26 May. The goal of the event was to inform teachers and educators on prevention measures to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation in educational institutions, and to provide Council of Europe and CWBF resources on the topic. Furthermore, an online discussion on "Protection of children from sexual violence, including on the Internet: identifying needs to reduce existing challenges in response and coordination of actions" was organised by the CSO "La Strada-Ukraine" on 27 May. The discussion was targeted at police and legal professionals (judges, prosecutors, lawyers) and other authorities working for and with children with the aim to identify and respond to legislative and practical challenges in protecting children from sexual abuse. Last but not least, the project also presented the Ukrainian translation of the recent Council of Europe Handbook on children’s participation “Listen – Act – Change” for professionals working for and with children underlining the importance of empowering children to meaningfully participate in all policy design and decision-making processes affecting them.

 Council of Europe project “Combating violence against children in the Republic of Moldova” 

 Council of Europe project “Combating violence against children in Ukraine”