Update: 13.05.2009
Cantons’ Opinion on the European Convention Against Sexual Abuse
The Swiss government wants a better protection of minors against sexual abuses. Therefore, it invites the cantons to give an opinion whether Switzerland should sign or not the new Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. The Convention, which has not yet entered into force, is seen as a major step in the prevention of sexual offences against children, the prosecution of perpetrators and the protection of victims. In the latter, the Convention goes beyond the Swiss legislation in the field of protection for 16-18 years old. In its press release on 24 April 2009, the Federal Office for Justice mentions that paid sex with 16 to 18 years old is sanctioned according to the Convention. The cantons are in first line to implement the measures of prevention and of victims’ protection, as well as intervention programmes required by the Convention.
- Ausdehnung des Schutzes von Kindern vor sexuellem Missbrauch: EJPD hat Anhörung zu neuer Europaratskonvention eröffnet
Press Release and documentation on the website of the Federal Office for Justice, 24 April 2009 (in German) - Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse
Text of the Convention and ratification status, 25 October 2007
