2019-03-22
Roundtable meeting towards more effective implementation of the Lanzarote Convention in Georgia: Challenges and good practices in responding to child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse was held on 21-22 March in Tbilisi.
The event was organised in cooperation with the Human Rights Secretariat of the Government Administration of Georgia.
Meeting was opened by the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia Cristian Urse and the Head of Human Rights Secretariat of the Government Administration Natalia Jaliashvili both underlining the importance of the Lanzarote Convention and its efficient implementation to ensure the prevention and protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in the country.
The Lanzarote Convention as a tool for strengthening state response to child sexual exploitation and abuse was also discussed by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs - Natia Mezvrishvili, Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia- Sophio Kiladze and Deputy Public Defender - Ekaterine Skhiladze.
Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are among the worst forms of violence against children. The Lanzarote Convention requires States to offer a holistic response to sexual violence against children, through the "4 Ps approach": Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Promotion of national and international cooperation.
The event aimed at familiarising relevant authorities and professionals with the Lanzarote Convention, providing support and concrete guidance for its efficient implementation at the national level.
The round table focused notably on the outcomes of the 1st monitoring round of the Lanzarote Committee on the protection of children from sexual abuse in the circle of trust, and on how Georgia stands with regard to the recommendations of the Lanzarote Committee. An overview of the ongoing 2nd monitoring round on the protection of children against sexual abuse was also presented during the meeting.
The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, also known as the "Lanzarote Convention", entered into force in Georgia in 2015. The Lanzarote Convention is the most ambitious and comprehensive international legal instrument aimed at preventing and protecting children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse as well as prosecuting perpetrators. By implementing the Lanzarote Convention Georgia contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly 16.1 and 16.2).