European Commission calls for more protection for children from physical and sexual violence

Brussels – Today (April 23), the European Commission adopted the recommendation on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the child’s best interests. The call is addressed not only to individual countries but to all civil society to work together in the common interest of child protection.

Eighty million children are living in the EU, and according to the commission, there is a need for more protection. Violence remains a significant challenge both outside and inside the Union. Numbers concerning member countries are worrying: depending on the individual state, 13 to 29 per cent of 15-year-old students say they have been bullied at least once. Not only that, 13.7 per cent of adult women reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood, but this percentage may be even higher. Therefore, protecting children is, for the European Commission, “a moral and legal imperative and a long-term strategic investment in our societies”.

The EU Commission highlighted areas where action can be taken to protect children better: improving their literacy, spreading the safe use of technology, protecting mental health, and combating bullying (including cyberbullying). In addition, the EU Commission called for improved coordination and cooperation between relevant sectors and authorities by training professionals, starting at the local level.

Children’s rights are recognized as fundamental rights. Article 3 of the Treaty on the European Union establishes the goal to promote the protection of children’s rights. In addition, all EU member states are parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The European Commission has spent the past few years on various actions to protect children, including the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee. For Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for Democracy and Demography, the recommendation adopted today “is a clear example of how we are turning our strategy into action and reality for every child.”

“Nothing for children without children!”

Only a coordinated & comprehensive response can provide better protection to children from violence! Today’s recommendation builds on feedback, strong #EU legislation, policy & funding to support countries in protecting children. pic.twitter.com/65TaB8m7I2

— Dubravka Suica (@dubravkasuica) April 23, 2024