THE UK has formally ratified a legally-binding European treaty which obliges countries to take a range of measures to help prevent sexual violence against children, protect victims and prosecute offenders.

Known as the Lanzarote Convention, it also enables participating countries to regularly share information, their experiences and best practices.

Thorbjorn Jagland, the secretary general of the Council of Europe, said: “This will help to protect children from sexual violence in the UK and, crucially, it will also allow the rest of Europe to benefit from the UK’s depth of experience and expertise in this area.”

However, he added: “I again call on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ireland – the only Council of Europe members to have not yet ratified the convention – to quickly follow suit.”

The ratification will ensure that the UK will join with 43 other countries to take action to help rid the globe of sexual violence and child abuse through greater information sharing and international cooperation.

Victoria Atkins, the UK Government Minister for Crime Safeguarding and Vulnerability, said it sent a clear message “that this government is determined to play its part in ending the abuse of children not only in the UK but around the globe”.

Tink Palmer, chief executive of the Marie Collins Foundation, which supports children, young people and families recovering from sexual abuse, added: “Since the Marie Collins Foundation was founded six years ago to meet the recovery needs of children sexually abused and exploited online, the problem of online sexual abuse of children has grown exponentially.

“We are working closely with Home Office on issues connected with internet related crimes and have appreciated the support given to us in order to ensure that children and their families are able to recover and live safe and fulfilling lives.

“We welcome the government’s ratification of the Lanzarote Convention as we seek to have a unified approach to the protection of all children wherever they may live.”