The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse came into force on 1^st of July 2010.

It is the first international instrument to tackle all forms of sexual violence against children, including abuse perpetrated within the family environment. Apart from sexual abuse, child prostitution and pornography and coercing children into participating in pornographic performances, the convention also deals with grooming and sex tourism.

The Convention has been signed by 39 of the Council of Europe's 47 member states, five of which have also ratified it (Albania, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands and San Marino), thereby enabling its entry into force on 1 July 2010.

For more information, please visit: http://www.coe.int/t/transversalprojects/children/default_en.asp