GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed concern over reports of persistent difficulties in protecting children who are alleged victims of sexual violence in France, despite several legislative and institutional reforms undertaken since 2025.
“We welcome efforts made by French authorities to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for combating sexual violence against children,” the experts said. “However, the information received suggests that, in practice, children alleging sexual abuse, as well as parents regarded as protective, may continue to face significant risks during the course of criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.”
The experts noted the extension of the mandate of the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children until October 2026, the adoption of measures aimed at improving the handling of reports of violence within the education sector, and the reform introduced by the Law of 6 November 2025, which incorporated the concept of consent into the criminal definition of rape and sexual assault.
They also took note of the establishment, at the beginning of 2026, of a parliamentary inquiry commission dedicated to incest-related violence and the situation of protective parents, as well as the consideration of a proposed law aimed at strengthening provisional and emergency child-protection mechanisms.
“Despite these advances, troubling allegations continue to be brought to our attention concerning the absence of immediate protective measures in certain cases involving alleged sexual violence,” the experts said.
According to the information received, some children who have disclosed violence allegedly committed by their father may, in certain cases, continue to be subject to visitation and residence arrangements while criminal investigations or court proceedings are ongoing. It has also been reported that mothers seeking to protect their children from alleged risks of abuse may face prosecution for failure to surrender a child for visitation, criminal penalties, restrictions on the exercise of parental authority, or child-protection measures directed against them.
“When credible allegations of child sexual abuse are raised, authorities must ensure that the best interests of the child remain the primary consideration in all administrative and judicial decisions,” the experts recalled.
Concerns were also expressed regarding obstacles encountered when filing complaints concerning sexual violence committed against children, which may lead to delays in opening investigations and implementing protective measures.
“States have an obligation to act with due diligence to prevent, investigate, punish, and provide redress for violence committed against women and children, including when such violence occurs within the family,” the experts said. “This obligation also requires the establishment of effective mechanisms that guarantee victims and those who report violence safe access to protection and justice, without fear of retaliation.”
The experts have been in contact with the Government of France regarding these allegations and will continue to closely monitor the issue.
