01/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Council of Europe convention on the protection of children against exploitation and sexual abuse took effect on Thursday 1 July. This is the first international instrument to tackle all forms of sexual violence directed at children, including abuse within the family. In addition to sexual abuse, child prostitution and pornography and the forced participation of children in pornographic shows, the convention covers the “grooming” of children for sexual purposes, and sexual tourism. On 29 November, in Rome, the Council of Europe will launch an awareness campaign to eliminate sexual violence against children. The convention was signed by 39 of the 47 member countries of the Council of Europe, five of which have also ratified it (Albania, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands and San Marino), thus allowing it to take effect on 1 July 2010. (B.C./transl.jl)