UNICEF and Council of Europe Renew Partnership to Protect Children’s Rights in Europe
UNICEF and the Council of Europe Partnership
UNICEF and the Council of Europe have renewed their partnership to protect children’s rights in Europe. This partnership was announced in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 26.
Main Focus Areas:
- Preventing Violence: The partnership aims to prevent all forms of violence against children, including online violence.
- Supporting Justice: UNICEF and the Council of Europe will assist governments in creating child-friendly justice systems.
- Empowering Children: They aim to protect and empower children in using digital technologies.
Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Europe, stated, “When we work together and invest in prevention, we can create safe environments for children.”
Specific Actions of the Partnership:
- Promote the Lanzarote Convention to protect children against sexual exploitation and abuse.
- Share information about child-friendly justice and alternative care.
- Support states in protecting children while using technology, including artificial intelligence.
- Enhance UNICEF’s contributions to the Council of Europe’s relevant committees.
- Foster collaboration between UNICEF and Council of Europe country offices on child-rights projects.
This partnership builds on previous agreements from 2007 and 2012. It aligns with the Reykjavik Declaration from the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government in May 2023, which calls for a stronger partnership with the United Nations.
Overall, this partnership will significantly advance and safeguard children’s rights across Europe, based on international standards like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.