A/HRC/16/55 41. Main questions included examples of child participation in fighting against sexual violence; if there was a single definition of sexual violence against children that would be generally applicable; the role of information and communication technologies in protecting children; modalities to strengthen the complaint filing processes locally and internationally in order to prevent cases of sexual violence against children. Many States enquired about best practices regarding the prevention and protection of children from sexual violence. 42. In their replies and concluding remarks, panellists emphasized that, on prevention, it was important to act upstream rather than downstream and to do preventive work with families and schools, where most of the problems with sexual violence occurred. Selfprotection programmes for children were also an important element in controlling risks. The need to change mindsets was emphasized but this is a process that takes time. It was noted that there was a lack of a truly and holistic cross-cutting approach due primarily to a lack of a clear concept of the phenomenon, as it changed constantly. The Lanzarote Convention, which is open for ratification also by non-European States, was referred to as the only instrument which covered all forms of sexual violence against children, so it could serve as a comprehensive definition. In terms of complaints, a number of panellists highlighted the need for the Convention on the Rights of the Child to have an Optional Protocol for individual communications. It was emphasized that there was insufficient attention on the demand dimension, a root cause in itself, which should be addressed both at the national and global level. There was agreement that children should be treated as equal partners in the fight against sexual violence. Both the positive and negative roles of the media in this regard were highlighted. 12

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