UK ratifies convention protecting children against sexual violence

The UK formally ratified the Lanzarote Convention on protecting children against sexual violence in Strasbourg yesterday. The convention will enter into force in the UK on 1 October.

The convention is a legally-binding treaty which obliges countries to take a range of steps to help prevent sexual violence against children, to protect victims and to prosecute offenders.

It also enables participating countries to regularly share information, experiences and best practices.

“I am delighted that the United Kindgom has ratified the Lanzarote Convention,” said Council of Europe secretary general Thorbjørn Jagland.

“This will help to protect children from sexual violence in the UK and, crucially, it will also allow the rest of Europe to benefit from the UK’s depth of experience and expertise in this area.

“I again call on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ireland – the only Council of Europe members to have not yet ratified the convention – to quickly follow suit.”

UK crime safeguarding minister Victoria Atkins said: “Our ratification of the Lanzarote Convention sends a clear message that this government is determined to play its part in ending the abuse of children not only in the UK but around the globe.

“This government’s record for tackling child sexual exploitation is very strong, but it is a sickening fact that there are children being abused every day by predatory individuals and this is why working with our international partners to prevent further suffering is so vital.”