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Queen Silvia Calls for Action, Not Sympathy, in Berlin Push for Stronger Child Protection

The World Childhood Foundation forum sharpened calls for long-term, joined-up measures to confront rising digital abuse.

Overview

  • At a Berlin forum hosted by her World Childhood Foundation, Queen Silvia urged a shift from sympathy to accountable action to keep children safe.
  • Foundation leaders said most abuse goes unseen, citing an estimate that nine in ten cases are never detected.
  • Speakers called for stable, long-range plans that link schools, sports clubs, social services, police, and courts under clear roles and funding.
  • Officials warned that online spaces expose minors to routine harm, and they pressed for better prevention, reporting, and investigative tools.
  • Germany’s first lady, Elke Büdenbender, said sexual abuse is not a fringe issue and urged responses that do not stigmatize survivors, while no new laws or funding were announced.