Since launching the Programme "Building a Europe for and with children", in Monaco in 2006, the Council of Europe has implemented strategies over a series of policy cycles to guide its work on children’s rights.

The current Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2016-2021) was adopted in Sofia in April 2016. The five priority areas are:

• equal opportunities for all children;
• participation of all children;
• a life free from violence for all children;
• child-friendly justice for all children;
• rights of the child in the digital environment.

This Strategy was developed by a committee of experts (DECS-ENF) and its implementation until 2021 is guided by the Ad hoc Committee for the Rights of the Child (CAHENF). The origins and policy cycles of the Programme over the years are as follows:

• Monaco (2006) Conference report and Programme
• Stockholm (2008) Conference report and Programme

The first Stockholm Strategy (2009-2011) set out three priority areas:

• promoting children's access to justice;
• eradicating all forms of violence against children;
• participation of children and their influence in society.

The four objectives of the Monaco Strategy (2012-2015) were:

• promoting child-friendly services and systems (in the areas of justice, health and social services);
• eliminating all forms of violence against children (including sexual violence, trafficking, corporal punishment and violence in schools);
• guaranteeing the rights of children in vulnerable situations (such as those with disabilities, in detention, in alternative care, migrant children and minorities, including Roma children);
• promoting child participation.