On Tuesday 23 April, the European Commission adopted a recommendation on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child. This is in line with the EU strategy on children’s rights (see EUROPE 12685/14).
The recommendation will help Member States to strengthen their child protection systems and protect the 80 million children in the EU from all forms of violence.
According to the Commission, between 13% and 29% of 15-year-old pupils say they are frequently victims of bullying. Up to 13.7% of adult women report having been sexually abused as a child, and the proportion could be higher.
“The actions, and inaction, of governments have a greater impact on children than on any other group in society. Protecting children is both a moral and legal imperative. It is also a strategic long-term investment in our societies”, explains the institution in a press release.
In particular, the Recommendation calls on the Member States to “- [p]ut children at the centre of integrated child protection systems by adapting protection systems to children’s needs and including children when taking decisions that impact them. - (...) [Adapt] their systems to protect any child from any form of violence using EU tools such as legislation, policy, or funding. (...) - Establish a general framework of integrated child protection systems. Member States are invited to draw up national plans to end violence against children, effectively implement EU and national legislation on child protection, set up coordination structures, strengthen human and financial resources and improve data collection. - Improve coordination and cooperation across sectors and competent authorities through the training of professionals, starting at the local level. (...) - Respond to children's safety needs online and offline by improving children’s digital literacy, promoting the safe use of digital technologies and training families and carers. - Protect children’s integrity and mental health, prevent and fight (cyber)bullying by encouraging Member States to develop national mental health strategies, with children as the priority target group.”
In 2021, 114 children were victims of intentional homicide in the EU; 20% of children in Europe suffer some form of sexual abuse during childhood and 190,000 girls in the EU are at risk of being forcibly subjected to sexual violence or genital mutilation.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people (aged 15 to 19).
Violence against children also has an economic cost, estimated at 8% of global GDP.
The annual loss of human capital due to mental disorders in children and young people is estimated at €54.2 billion in Europe.
Links to documents: https://aeur.eu/f/bwv; https://aeur.eu/f/bwu (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)