On 18 November, the International Center “La Strada” proudly served as a co-organiser of the international conference “Strengthening the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making.”

The event was hosted by the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, under the auspices of Moldova’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The conference brought together high-level officials, international experts, and practitioners to explore how data and evidence can guide stronger, more sustainable policies to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The programme included thematic sessions, interactive workshops, and discussions on the use of child protection data, survivor participation in policymaking, and strengthening international cooperation to prevent reoffending across borders.

The conference was followed by the 46th Plenary Meeting of the Lanzarote Committee, held in Chișinău on November 19–21. The plenary gathered representatives of member states, NGOs, and international partners to assess the implementation of the Lanzarote Convention, review new findings on technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children, examine the revised questionnaire on “sexual abuse in the circle of trust,” and discuss national data-collection mechanisms. Member states also presented good practices, legislative initiatives, and public policy developments.


The active involvement of the Republic of Moldova in hosting both events highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to protecting children's rights, strengthening national protection systems, and contributing to international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.