On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the entry into force of the Lanzarote Convention, the first Ministerial Conference of the Council of Europe for Ministers responsible for the protection of children concluded in Malta.

During a press conference, a political Declaration on strengthening the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation was communicated, the government said in a statement. "The Declaration, prepared by Malta in consultation with children, was unanimously approved by the State Parties to this Convention who participated in the Conference."

The Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights, Michael Falzon, said that the meeting highlighted the commitment of participating countries, and recognized their moral and legal duty to promote concrete actions to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation, with an emphasis on the challenges posed by the digital environment and artificial intelligence.

"This joint Declaration will strengthen national and legislative structures, policies, and other practices that complement the global response to child sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and online safety. This comes against a backdrop where child sexual abuse is increasingly becoming a global crisis, among other reasons due to the misuse of digital technology and the effects of war and armed conflicts," the government statement read.

 "We are strengthening laws to be effective against new forms of abuse, imposing 'safety-by-design' requirements on digital platforms, and increasing educational programs with an emphasis on prevention. Child protection must be built into technology from the very start and guided by ongoing research and observation of emerging risks," stated Minister Michael Falzon.

The adopted Declaration includes several suggestions and proposals made by children themselves, the statement read. "This represents a significant step forward toward real and meaningful participation of children in decisions that directly affect them."