Fact Check: Lanzarote convention do promote to protecting children and teenagers of sexual abuse and exploitation

Fact Check: "Lanzarote Convention Promotes Protection of Children and Teenagers from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation"

What We Know

The Lanzarote Convention, formally known as the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, is a multilateral treaty that aims to combat sexual violence against children. It was signed on October 25, 2007, in Lanzarote, Spain, and came into force on July 1, 2010, after being ratified by five states (source-1).

The Convention mandates that signatory states criminalize various forms of sexual abuse against children, including sexual activity with minors below the legal age of consent, child prostitution, and child pornography (source-2). Furthermore, it outlines preventive measures such as training and educating children, monitoring offenders, and ensuring that individuals working with children undergo appropriate screening and training (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that the Lanzarote Convention promotes the protection of children and teenagers from sexual abuse and exploitation is substantiated by the text of the Convention itself. It explicitly states that the signatory countries are obliged to take necessary measures to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and abuse of children (source-5).

Moreover, the Convention emphasizes the importance of civil society's role in protecting children, encouraging funding for projects aimed at preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (source-6). This comprehensive approach, which includes legal, educational, and social components, indicates a robust framework for protecting children.

The reliability of the sources cited, particularly those from the Council of Europe and established legal frameworks, lends credibility to the claim. These sources are authoritative and reflect the official stance of the Council of Europe on child protection issues.

However, it is essential to note that while the Convention provides a framework for protection, the effectiveness of its implementation can vary by country, depending on local laws and enforcement practices. Nonetheless, the foundational principles laid out in the Convention are clear and focused on safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The Lanzarote Convention indeed promotes the protection of children and teenagers from sexual abuse and exploitation. The treaty establishes a comprehensive legal framework that obligates signatory states to criminalize various forms of sexual violence against minors and implement preventive measures. The evidence from reliable sources supports this claim, confirming the Convention's role in enhancing child protection across Europe and beyond.

Sources

1. Lanzarote Convention
2. Lanzarote Convention - Children's Rights
3. Lanzarote Convention – Against Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
4. Handbook on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse
5. Child sexual abuse: International and European Law
6. Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse
7. Lanzarote Convention on Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation
8. Minister McEntee announces Government approval for the ratification of the Lanzarote Convention