Informal Conference of Ministers
Achievements, challenges and the way forward to prevent and protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse
Malta, 1 July 2025
The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention) entered into force on 1 July 2010. 48 countries to date have strengthened actions to protect children by joining and implementing this Convention which is open to States worldwide. It remains a benchmark in the field and considerable strides have been taken to strengthen national frameworks, prevention programmes and international co-operation. Yet, despite the considerable progress, children continue to fall victim to sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. These risks are amplified by the ease with which digital technologies disseminate abusive content.
Held under the auspices of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe (May 2025-November 2025), the Informal Conference of Ministers will seek to assess the progress made over the last 15 years since States began implementing the Lanzarote Convention and explore strategic approaches to address remaining gaps, including in the light of emerging technological realities.
The Informal Conference of Ministers will focus on:
- Taking Stock: 15 years of the Lanzarote Convention recalling the concerns that led to the development of the Convention 15 years ago and key achievements since then;
- Keeping harm away from children through screening and training professionals and volunteers, preventing re-offending and protecting children in situations of particular vulnerability;
- Empowering children to flourish free from sexual violence by strengthening evidence-based policy making to address peer-to-peer violence, harmful sexual behaviours among children and breaking the cycle of harm;
- The way forward: Preventing and protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse emphasising synergies with the wider international context.
